RAAF: Exercise Red Flag, a roaring success
Exercise Red Flag is off to a successful start for the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet team with the first week of flying complete.
Eight Australian fighter jets joined F-22 Raptors, F-16 Falcons, F-15 Eagles, GR-9 Harriers, KC-135 Stratotanker and B-1 Lancers to simulate air combat warfare scenarios with the US and UK for the two week exercise that commenced on 22 February.
Red Flag Deputy Director, Group Captain Gavin Turnbull, said the Australian aircrews have learnt a lot from flying with our coalition partners.
“Red Flag is the most advanced international air combat training activity in the world. It provides our aircrew with the most realistic and demanding tactical training available,” said Group Captain Turnbull.
FILE PHOTO: Pre-flight check of an F-16 for a night training mission at Red Flag 10-3
Source: US Air Force
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The coalition combine forces to eliminate the ‘enemy’ by setting out to destroy up to 30 adversary bombers whilst also protecting a high priority strategic asset, such as an airfield.
Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from RAAF Williamtown’s 4 Squadron are providing essential air to ground support from the range.
Commanding Officer and Exercise Mission Commander for 77 Squadron, Wing Commander Glen Beck, said aircrew are pushed to their limits during Red Flag.
“Defeating surface to air missile systems forming a real world Integrated Air Defence System while keeping aggressor squadron F16, F15 and F5 fighters off your back and de-conflicting your own force can become quite complicated” said Commanding Officer Beck.
Australia participates in Red Flag annually as part of a long term tactical training program, which is essential in maintaining combat skills and readiness levels for air, ground and support crews.
Red Flag concludes on 5 March with Australian personnel arriving back home from 8 March.
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