RAF

Exercise Red Flag: RAF Finishes Stint In 'World Cup For Fighter Pilots'

An F-35 takes off from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on Exercise Red Flag (Picture: RAF).

The RAF has finished its stint in Exercise Red Flag in the US, regarded by some as the 'World Cup for fighter pilots'.

The US Air Force aimed to replicate combat conditions as closely as possible for the training missions at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

The Royal Air Force deployed a range of aircraft, including F-35 Lightning jets from 617 Squadron (RAF Marham), Typhoon FGR4s from 41 Test & Evaluation Squadron (RAF Coningsby) and a Voyager air-air refuelling tanker, which was jointly operated by 10 and 101 Squadrons from RAF Brize Norton.

Following its arrival back in the UK, the RAF's performance will be analysed, including tactical and operational lessons for the future.

Cover image: An F-35 fighter jet takes off from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on Exercise Red Flag (Picture: RAF).