Exercise Volfa 2025: Strengthening NATO's Air Combat Readiness

Exercise Volfa 2025, held from September 22 to October 10, 2025, stands as the French Air and Space Force's premier annual high-intensity combat training event. Hosted in southwestern France, this exercise brought together over 1,000 personnel and approximately 50 aircraft from four NATO nations, including France, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom. The primary objective was to enhance interoperability among allied forces and prepare them for operations in contested airspaces.

Organised by the French Air Defence and Air Operations Command (CDAOA), Volfa 2025 aimed to simulate complex combat scenarios that mirror current geopolitical tensions. The exercise focused on:

• High-Intensity Air Combat: Engaging in simulated air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

• Interoperability: Ensuring seamless coordination among NATO allies.

• Operational Readiness: Testing the ability to execute rapid deployments and sustain operations under pressure.

• Resilience Training: Simulating operations in environments with degraded communications and contested airspace.

Participating Nations and Assets:

France

The French contingent, led by the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, deployed a mix of aircraft, including:

• Dassault Rafale: Multirole fighters capable of air superiority and ground attack missions.

• Mirage 2000: Multirole aircraft providing air defence and strike capabilities.

• Airbus A400M Atlas: Transport aircraft facilitating rapid deployment and logistics.

Italy

Italy contributed Tornado aircraft, enhancing the exercise's multirole capabilities and providing a platform for electronic warfare and reconnaissance missions.

Greece

The Hellenic Air Force participated with F-16 Fighting Falcons, adding depth to the exercise's air-to-air combat scenarios.

United Kingdom

The Royal Air Force (RAF) participated with personnel and an A400M from 30 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton. Squadron Leader Luke Jules, the RAF Detachment Commander for Volfa 2025, emphasised the value of training alongside French and NATO partners in a challenging environment, enhancing the collective ability to respond to shared security challenges.

Drawing lessons from recent conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Volfa 2025 simulated operations in contested airspace. Participants faced electronic warfare, cyber threats, and persistent air and missile threats, reflecting the complexities of modern warfare.

The exercise incorporated the NATO concept of Agile Combat Employment, emphasising rapid deployment and dispersed operations. Aircraft were redeployed across various French air bases, testing their ability to operate from austere locations and maintain operational continuity.

Volfa 2025 served as a platform for joint training, integrating air, ground, and logistics operations. The exercise included:

• Air Defence Operations: Coordinating defensive measures against simulated threats.

• Close Air Support: Providing air support to ground forces in simulated combat scenarios.

• Logistics and Sustainment: Ensuring continuous supply and maintenance operations during extended missions.

Volfa 2025 played a crucial role in preparing NATO forces for rapid deployment and sustained operations in high-intensity conflicts. The exercise's focus on interoperability and joint operations ensured that participating nations could effectively collaborate in future missions.

The scenarios simulated during Volfa 2025 were designed to prepare forces for emerging threats, including hybrid warfare, cyber attacks, and advanced missile systems. By training in these areas, NATO forces can enhance their resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges.

The participation of multiple NATO nations in Volfa 2025 underscored the alliance's commitment to collective defence and mutual support. Joint training exercises like Volfa foster stronger relationships among member nations, enhancing trust and cooperation.

Exercise Volfa 2025 demonstrated NATO's commitment to maintaining a high level of operational readiness and interoperability among its air forces. By simulating complex combat scenarios and integrating various military branches, the exercise ensured that participating nations are prepared to face the challenges of modern warfare. As global security dynamics continue to evolve, exercises like Volfa 2025 are essential in ensuring that NATO remains a formidable and cohesive alliance.