Red Flag 25-1 Departs Nellis Air Force Base combining U.S. forces with allies from the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force in combined training to enhance combat readiness and build alliances.
As Red Flag celebrates its 50th anniversary of high-level training, it highlights a rich history of preparing participants to be combat-capable and effective in their missions amid emerging threats.
Red Flag exercises repeat many combat situations to acquaint participants with real operations. These include air-to-air combat, air-to-ground operations, and other joint and coalition operations.
The drills are typically crewed with multiple aircraft and a large quantity of individuals, such as pilots, support crew, and command and control units. Participants may be U.S. Air Force units, but allied air forces as well.
After missions, extended debriefing periods are conducted as a way of researching performance and refining tactics. It helps participants learn from experience as well as prepare for future operations.
Red Flag is one of the most realistic and demanding training programs available to military aircrews, preparing them for the challenges of contemporary combat.
With over 500,000 military personnel trained and over 420,000 sorties flown since its inception, Red Flag’s legacy continues to expand. Allied participation is a staple of that legacy ensuring joint and partner forces are ready to counter threats anywhere around the world.
Red Flag 25-1 demonstrated the enduring importance of allied forces that the U.S., RAF, and RAAF are stronger together in addressing the challenges of the future.
