The RAAF has deployed seven F/A-18 ’classic’ Hornets and an E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C to Las Vegas for Exercise Red Flag 14-1.
Led by OC 81WG GPCAPT Robert Chipman, the deployment is the first major exercise of 2014 for the RAAF and will comprise an intense two-week campaign of day and night missions against real target sets and adversary representative fighters, and high-fidelity electronic and air defence systems over the Nevada Test & Training Range.
“Exercise Red Flag is the most advanced international air combat training activity in the world,” Commander Air Combat Group, AIRCDRE Tony Grady said in a release. “It provides our pilots, combat controllers and intelligence officers with the most realistic and demanding tactical training available. Exercise Red Flag is designed to not only test, but also teach the crews through a rigorous flying program of day and night missions against a large number of ground threats and adversary air.”
Red Flag 14-1 is also being attended by combat units from the USAF (F-22, F-16C/CM, F-15C, F-15E, E-3, B-2, EC-130, E-8, RC-135, HC-130, HH-60, KC-135), USN (EA-18G, P-3C, EP-3E), USMC (EA-6B & F/A-18) and the RAF (E-3D, Typhoon & Tornado).
