From the ground up: 435 AGOW squadrons prove "Together is Better" to fortify Ramstein Published Feb. 23, 2026 By Capt. Amber R. Kelly-Herard 435th Air Ground Operations Wing RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- To counter emerging aerial threats, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection Directorate identified a critical need for a Fixed-Site Small Unmanned Aerial Detection System (FS-SUADS) at Ramstein Air Base to protect its personnel, infrastructure, and mission-critical assets. The 435th Air Ground Operations Wing was uniquely suited to deliver the solution. “Partnering with the AGOW provided several significant benefits, such as reducing costs by leveraging existing AGOW capabilities rather than contracting outside support,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Carlos Buitrago, USAFE-AFAFRICA/A4 Directorate FS-SUADS program manager. “The collaboration also gave the AGOW valuable opportunities to train and further develop their expeditionary skill sets in a real-world environment, strengthening their readiness for future operations.” “In addition, the partnership helped build new relationships and reinforce existing ones, creating a stronger foundation for future joint projects and enhancing interoperability across units,” Buitrago continued. As the main logistical gateway for multiple areas of responsibility, it is imperative that proper protective infrastructure is in place to defend the base against unmanned aerial threats. These FS-SUADS provide integral architecture to support point defense kits and do just that. The project required multiple elevated platforms for FS-sUADS sensors to detect, track, and enable responses to small unmanned aerial system threats. While the 1st Engineering Installation Squadron had the expertise to install the towers, they first needed solid ground to build on. Luckily, their sister squadron, the 435th Construction and Training Squadron, had the solution. “By combining the engineering and installation expertise of the 1 EIS with the expeditionary construction and support capabilities of the 435 CTS, the AGOW provided USAFE-AFAFRICA with a scalable, repeatable model for rapidly fielding air base defense infrastructure across Europe and Africa,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Sean Hicks, 1 EIS Team Chief. The 435 CTS contributed critical expeditionary and civil engineering capabilities, including foundation preparation, conduit installation, and heavy equipment coordination. “That’s what we’re here for,” said Dieter Flachsland, 435 CTS operations director. “We are busy throughout the year, executing our regular troop training program, but projects like this are exactly what we train for. Our skilled workforce of military and civilians are the perfect people to get these jobs done.” With the foundations laid, it was time for the 1 EIS to begin its work. The 1 EIS provided engineering design, installation planning, and technical execution required to construct permanent elevated platforms and integrate the associated cyberspace infrastructure. “This collaboration highlights how the 435 AGOW’s diverse mission sets can be combined to accelerate capability delivery and meet emerging operational requirements across the theater,” said Hicks. The final component of this project will be completed by a contractor and the A4 FS-SUADS program manager, but the 1 EIS and 435 CTS exemplify the flexibility and resourcefulness that are needed to decisively counter UAS threats across the theater. This project aligns with the Air Force’s expanding counter-UAS architecture, which is designed to provide scalable detection and response capabilities across key locations. By delivering permanent, engineered infrastructure in support of FS-sUADS, the 435 AGOW is helping lay the foundation for a resilient, theater-wide air base defense posture that can adapt as threats continue to evolve.