RAF completes Exercise Red Flag
The UK’s F-35 Lightning Force has concluded Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base in the US.
Royal Air Force 617 Squadron deployed F-35 jets for three weeks at Nellis for the air combat exercise.
The exercise offered the squadron the opportunity to train on the F-35 in real-world conditions against simulated enemy air defence systems on the ground ahead of embarkation on HMS Queen Elizabeth later in 2020.
The deployment also afforded Lightning Force support and maintenance crew the ability to train to keep the aircraft flying for the duration.
Wing Commander John Butcher, Officer Commanding 617 Squadron, said: ‘Our experience on Red Flag has been amazing. Lightning has performed really well in this exercise and I have also been really pleasantly surprised as to how everyone has performed in this environment, our team has done fantastically well.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force selects General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardians]()
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force selects General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardians
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian will be used as part of the JMSDF’s long range maritime ISR patrol programme.
-
![Embraer to expand C-390 platform for ISR missions]()
Embraer to expand C-390 platform for ISR missions
The Brazilian manufacturer will work with the Brazilian Air Force to explore expanding the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium.
-
![US Army orders more Boeing CH-47 Block IIs]()
US Army orders more Boeing CH-47 Block IIs
Valued at $135 million, the Lot 3 contract is part of the US Army’s ongoing modernisation efforts.
-
![Israeli MoD signs $40 million in deals for Elbit Systems drones]()
Israeli MoD signs $40 million in deals for Elbit Systems drones
The deal will allow the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to upgrade its operational capabilities in the field, particularly for intelligence gathering and targeted strikes.
-
![US approves deal for $1.7 billion upgrade of Indian Navy MH-60R helicopters]()
US approves deal for $1.7 billion upgrade of Indian Navy MH-60R helicopters
The equipment sale for the helicopters includes 30 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (MIDS JTRS) for the Indian Navy.
