High stakes in Exercise Red Flag over Las Vegas

The Royal Australian Air Force has joined the United States military and Royal Air Force (RAF) in Exercise Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, showcasing seamless multinational air operations.

CAPTION: A Royal Australian Air Force 77 Squadron F-35A Lightning II aircraft on the Nellis Air Force Base flightline during Exercise Red Flag Nellis 25-1. Story by Flying Officer Shanea Zeegers. Photos by Aircraftwoman Laura Flowers.

This high-intensity exercise enables the participating nations to refine their combat capabilities in complex, large-scale scenarios.

With a range of aircraft and advanced systems, the exercise provides invaluable training in long-range strike, electronic warfare and maritime integration.

The event is crucial for strengthening the strategic partnership between the three nations and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Flight Lieutenant Ben Davey, a RAF Typhoon pilot, contributes to these missions.

“We are testing our interoperability with the United States and Australia, which share similar platforms and tactics,” Flight Lieutenant Davey said.

“While the integration process is challenging, Exercise Red Flag provides invaluable access to expansive airspace and training ranges, where we can practise and validate our tactics in real-world scenarios.”

The integration of fourth and fifth-generation aircraft, such as the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon and the RAAF’s and US Air Force’s (USAF) F-35A Lightning II, highlights the exercise’s strategic importance.

These operations simulate high-pressure combat scenarios, testing each nation’s ability to respond effectively in joint integrated missions.

Captain Alex Goirigolzarri, an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot with the USAF, highlighted the importance of trust and coordination.

“Exercise Red Flag helps us build trust and coordination with our allies, ensuring we’re prepared to execute any mission together, should the need arise,” he said.

For the RAAF, this exercise offers essential experience in enhancing its ability to integrate into a larger, multinational force, refining command and control capabilities in high-stakes environments.

CAPTION: A RAAF 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft takes off from Nellis Air Force Base.

Flight Lieutenant ‘Acid’, a RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot, stressed Exercise Red Flag’s importance to future operations.

“Each nation brings its unique capabilities to the table, allowing us to enhance interoperability and learn from one another’s experiences, which is vital for future joint operations,” he said.

“Training with our closest allies strengthens our operational effectiveness and builds trust, which is crucial for future missions.”

Exercise Red Flag is a powerful example of how an international coalition enhances readiness and interoperability in modern air combat.

CAPTION: RAAF 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornets and USAF F-16C aircraft prepare to take off from Nellis Air Force Base, with Las Vegas in the background.

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