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More than 260 Australian personnel and aircraft will take part in large-scale air combat event Exercise Red Flag in Alaska.
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Royal Australian Air Force aircraft and personnel have already landed in Alaska to take part in the event hosted by the United States Pacific Air Forces Command from 19 to 30 August.
This year, RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs will team up with United States combat and support aircraft to face simulated peer adversaries and ground-based air defence systems.
The RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetail’s superior airborne surveillance capabilities will play a critical role in coordinating aircraft.
Task Unit Commander Group Captain Tracy Douglas said the exercise remains an important way to train in complex environments alongside the United States to meet any future contingency.
“Exercise Red Flag Alaska enables United States and allied aviators to refine their operational concepts, enhance their capabilities, and develop strategies that strengthen deterrence and maintain a competitive edge,” GPCAPT Douglas said.
“Our air forces continue to improve interoperability and integration through combat scenarios that reflect the challenges of real-world conflicts.”
The expansive 174,000-square-kilometre Joint Alaska Pacific Range Complex provides an ideal setting for simulating a contested environment, where battlefield strategy demands a high-operations tempo and necessitates innovation, determination, and teamwork to stay ahead of ever-changing mission needs.
The exercise will involve more than 260 Australian personnel operating from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
“The goal of Red Flag is learning as a team,” GPCAPT Douglas said.
“While individuals may improve from their exercise experience, the aspiration is to forge ever-greater ability and efficiency working with our United States partners.
“Taking aircraft overseas and adapting to different airspaces and procedures can be challenging, but the rewards of such exercises are immense, paving the way for enhanced capabilities and stronger international cooperation.”
