Force integration training during Exercise Red Flag
US Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft provided the core wing function during Exercise Red Flag.
The large force exercise brought together air and ground units from across the US Air Force, US Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force for combat training.
As the core wing, the US Air Force’s 388th Fighter Wing acted as the hub for integration, support and resources for the deployed force.
Royal Air Force 617 Squadron from RAF Marham also deployed F-35B for Red Flag, enabling integration and process implementation for cross-servicing maintenance activities between partner nations.
Red Flag offered a chance for force integration combat training, with the Nevada Test and Training Range hosting both integrated air defences with early warning systems and advanced surface-to-air threats. ‘Red force’ aggressor pilots flew aircraft which simulated real-world enemy aircraft to enable 'blue force' assets to experience challenging missions in a variety of different scenarios.
Col Steven Behmer, 388th Fighter Wing commander, said: ‘Red Flag gives us, especially our young pilots and maintainers, many of whom have never been down range, the opportunity to experience a joint, deployed environment. We don’t simply learn how to execute the mission, we also get to know each other better, how we work, and succeed together.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A]()
The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A
The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs have raised questions on the desirability and feasibility of the F-35A for key US allies including Canada and Switzerland. With combined orders amounting to 126 units, both nations undertook reviews of their ongoing fighter programmes.
-
![AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme]()
AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme
The MV-75, previously V-280, was originally designed as an assault aircraft which would replace some of the Black Hawk helicopters and add speed as a tilt-rotor platform. It is now envisioned to add a greater multirole capability reminiscent of the Black Hawk fleet.
-
![India elevates defence systems to boost mountain surveillance]()
India elevates defence systems to boost mountain surveillance
India has strengthened its focus on terrain-adaptive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance following recent incursions and drone activity along the country’s northern borders.
-
![Germany signs contract for 20 Tranche 5 Eurofighters]()
Germany signs contract for 20 Tranche 5 Eurofighters
The aircraft will be delivered between 2031 and 2034 and will be upgraded with the latest electronic warfare capabilities to the EK configuration.
-
![Saab receives order to continue future fighter concept studies out to 2027]()
Saab receives order to continue future fighter concept studies out to 2027
The order from the FMV is an extension of the original contract signed in March 2024 and covers exploration of both crewed and uncrewed platforms.
-
![AUSA 2025: GA-ASI and Hanwha to produce Gray Eagle STOL in South Korea]()
AUSA 2025: GA-ASI and Hanwha to produce Gray Eagle STOL in South Korea
The Gray Eagle STOL will be made available to several international militaries, with initial customer delivery planned for 2028.
