Strengthening international ties on Exercise Red Flag

RAAF aircraft and personnel are in Alaska for Exercise Red Flag, a large-scale air-combat exercise hosted by the United States Pacific Air Forces Command.

CAPTION: An aviator marshalls a 75 Squadron F-35A Lightning II at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Photos by Sergeant Hayden Young.

This year, RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs are teaming up with US combat and support aircraft to face simulated peer adversaries and ground-based air-defence systems. The RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetail’s superior airborne surveillance capabilities will play a critical role in coordinating aircraft.

Task Unit Commander Group Captain Tracy Douglas said the exercise was important for training in complex environments alongside the US so they can meet any future contingency.

“Exercise Red Flag Alaska enables United States and allied aviators to refine their operational concepts, enhance their capabilities and develop strategies that strengthen deterrence and maintain a competitive edge,” Group Captain Douglas said.

“Our air forces continue to improve interoperability and integration through combat scenarios that reflect the challenges of real-world conflicts.”

CAPTION: 75 Squadron F-35A Lightning IIs on the hardstand at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

The expansive 174,000 square-kilometre Joint Alaska Pacific Range Complex provides an ideal setting for simulating a contested environment, where battlefield strategy demands a high-operations tempo and necessitates innovation, determination and teamwork to stay ahead of ever-changing mission needs.

“The goal of Red Flag is learning as a team,” Group Captain Douglas said.

“While individuals may improve from their exercise experience, the aspiration is to forge ever-greater ability and efficiency working with our United States partners.

“Taking aircraft overseas and adapting to different airspaces and procedures can be challenging, but the rewards of such exercises are immense, paving the way for enhanced capabilities and stronger international cooperation.”

The exercise involves more than 260 Australian personnel operating from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska from August 19-30.

CAPTION: A 75 Squadron F-35A Lightning II taxis at Eielson Air Force Base.

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