Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1
Photo: A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft takes off at Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1 in Nevada, USA.
Australia has joined forces with the United States and the United Kingdom for Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is gearing up for intense air combat training at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, USA, from January 15 to February 2. Approximately 150 RAAF aviators will support six F-35A Lightning II aircraft and a tactical command and control team during this exercise.
Established in 1975, Exercise Red Flag Nellis recreates the initial ten missions of a modern air campaign within a training environment, offering invaluable experience to participants. Wing Commander Adrian Kiely, Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron, highlighted that this marks the first participation of Australian F-35As in Exercise Red Flag Nellis.
According to Wing Commander Kiely, generations of RAAF aviators have participated in this evolving exercise since 1980. The exercise involves missions to the nearby Nevada Test and Training Range and the southwestern United States, allowing integration with maritime units. Exercise Red Flag Nellis will thoroughly test the capabilities of the F-35A and provide an opportunity to collaborate with American and British allies, practicing the projection of force in combat operations.
Exercise Red Flag Nellis 24-1 will see approximately 3000 personnel and 100 aircraft engage in large force employment missions across various scenarios. Known for its use of ‘aggressor’ forces, including enemy fighter aircraft, ground-based radars, simulated surface-to-air missiles, as well as cyber and space-based elements, the exercise simulates diverse threats for each mission.
Wing Commander Peter Mole, Commanding Officer of No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, will lead the RAAF Tactical Command and Control Team during the exercise. He emphasized the importance of managing and controlling the diverse aircraft and units across ground, maritime, cyber, and space-based domains to achieve mission objectives. The scale and complexity of Exercise Red Flag Nellis make it an unparalleled opportunity to build experience and strengthen the close working relationship with the United States and the United Kingdom.
