NATO begins large-scale military exercises in countries bordering Russia

NATO has announced the start of the Ramstein Flag 2026 (RAFL 26) tactical air exercises, which will begin on June 8, 2026, in a number of countries, including those bordering Russia.

As reported by TASS, the corresponding statement was published on the NATO website on June 5.

According to the information on the website, 18 countries will participate in the exercises. The main venues for the exercises will be Denmark, Spain, Sweden, and Norway and Finland, which border Russia. The main objective of the exercises will be to improve the alliance's collective military preparedness.

According to NATO's information, more than 200 aircraft will be involved in the exercises, carrying out approximately 150 sorties per day.

The NATO Air Forces Ramstein Flag 2026 exercises will take place from June 8 to 19 in the airspace of Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Nineteen alliance members will participate, and over two hundred units of aviation equipment will be involved.