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First Finnish Aircrew Member Joins NATO AWACS Mission During Ramstein Alloy 2025

NATO Allied Air Command

Apr 17 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- A Finnish Air Force officer has joined a NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) flight for the first time, marking a significant milestone in Finland's integration into Allied Air Command operations.

Master Sergeant Aleksi became the first Finnish crew member to fly aboard a NATO E-3A aircraft during Exercise Ramstein Alloy 2025, 15 April 2025, a regular air policing training event that enhances cooperation and readiness among Allies in the Baltic region. Having completed rigorous training through the Aircrew Training Squadron, Aleksi now serves as a Weapons Controller, supporting the execution of complex multinational air operations.

"It was an honour to fly with NATO AWACS," said Aleksi. "You immediately feel the scale and complexity of the mission — working with so many nations, in real time. It's a powerful example of how NATO comes together in practice."

Ramstein Alloy is overseen by NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre Uedem under Allied Air Command (AIRCOM). The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and improve response procedures among Baltic Air Policing participants.

"Flying with AWACS is more than just a mission — it's a symbol of how national expertise supports NATO's shared goals," said Colonel Henk Kiffen, Deputy Commander of the NATO E-3A Component.

Finland joined NATO in April 2023 and has since strengthened its role in collective defence through participation in multinational exercises and air missions. Its involvement in AWACS operations enhances situational awareness and contributes directly to NATO's deterrence posture in the region.

The E-3A Component is part of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&CF), one of the Alliance's key capabilities for surveillance and command and control. AIRCOM oversees these efforts, ensuring they align with NATO's strategic air power objectives.

A total of 17 NATO member nations participate in the overall NAEW&CF programme. Of these Allied members, Canada, France, and now Finland and Lithuania provide military personnel to operate the E-3A Component. The E-3A Component holds a unique place in military history because it is the first multinational flying unit established by the Alliance.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office