An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has joined the prestigious multi-national exercise, Red Flag 24, at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
Deployment and Logistics
- Supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelers and C-17 transport aircraft, the IAF Rafale fighters undertook a transatlantic flight with staging halts in Greece and Portugal.
- India deployed eight Rafale fighter jets, equally split between single-seaters and twin-seaters, to Alaska.
Objectives of Red Flag Exercise
- Red Flag is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise aimed at integrating aircrew in a multinational environment.
- It replicates realistic and challenging combat scenarios, enhancing combat readiness and interoperability among participating nations.
Exercise Venue and Structure
- Red Flag exercises are held at two locations: Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
- Eielson AFB is managed by the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), offering extensive airspace for complex tactical scenarios.
Key Participants and Assets
- Eielson AFB hosts F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-35s, including the 18th Aggressor Squadron, central to the exercise.
- The 353rd Combat Training Squadron manages the exercise and oversees extensive weapons ranges and threat systems.
Previous Collaborations and Success
- In RF-A 16-1, the IAF participated with Sukhoi SU-30MK and SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft, emphasizing joint training and interoperability.
- Foreign military participation, including the IAF, is crucial for the success of Red Flag exercises.
Impact and Future Collaboration
- Participation in Red Flag 24 enhances the IAF’s operational capabilities and strengthens military ties.
- It facilitates more integrated and effective joint operations in the future.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where is the Indian Air Force participating in the Red Flag 24 exercise?
- A) Nellis Air Force Base
- B) Eielson Air Force Base
- C) Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
- D) Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
- Answer: B) Eielson Air Force Base
- What is the main objective of the Red Flag exercise?
- A) Airshow demonstration
- B) Humanitarian aid mission
- C) Advanced aerial combat training
- D) Maritime patrol exercise
- Answer: C) Advanced aerial combat training
- How many Rafale fighter jets did India deploy to Alaska for Red Flag 24?
- A) Four
- B) Six
- C) Eight
- D) Ten
- Answer: C) Eight
- Who manages the Red Flag exercise held at Eielson Air Force Base?
- A) United States Air Force Warfare Center
- B) Pacific Air Forces
- C) United States Indo-Pacific Command
- D) Indian Air Force
- Answer: B) Pacific Air Forces
- In which previous iteration of the exercise did the Indian Air Force participate with Sukhoi SU-30MK and SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft?
- A) RF-A 24-1
- B) RF-A 16-1
- C) RF-A 20-2
- D) RF-A 18-3
- Answer: B) RF-A 16-1