RAF takes on one of the world's toughest exercises with global partners
Royal Air Force pilots are taking on one of the world's most demanding air combat training exercises alongside US, Canadian and Australian air forces.
Exercise Red Flag Nellis 25-1 is designed to sharpen warfighting skills, and takes place from 27 January to 14 February at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.
British participants include Rivet Joint aircrew from 51 Squadron, Air Operations Controllers from 19 and 20 Squadrons, eight Typhoon fighter jets, and a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft.
The RAF will undertake intensive training missions that simulate the first ten combat missions of a modern air campaign, widely regarded as the most perilous for aircrews.
Generations of UK aviators have taken part in Exercise Red Flag, which is considered a cornerstone of international military cooperation and readiness.
RAF Tactical Command and Control team will play a critical role, managing and coordinating aircraft alongside ground, maritime, cyber, and space-based units to achieve mission success.
In 2025, Red Flag will involve approximately 3,000 personnel and up to 150 aircraft operating from 15 different locations.
Scenarios include large-force employment missions against sophisticated 'aggressor' forces, which feature simulated enemy fighter jets, ground-based radars, surface-to-air missiles, and even cyber and space-based threats.
Established in 1975 by the United States Air Force (USAF) after lessons learned during the Vietnam War, Exercise Red Flag provides a unique and invaluable experience for military personnel.
The exercise evolves constantly, reflecting the modern threats and challenges faced in contemporary operations.
Missions are conducted across the Nevada Test and Training Range and extend to the southwestern United States, where participants also integrate with maritime units.
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