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
More from Air Warfare
-
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.