Red Flag-Alaska 23-3 begins Aug. 10 with primary flight operations over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex through Aug. 25. Red Flag-Alaska provides realistic aircraft flight training in a simulated combat environment.
RF-A provides a unique opportunity with real surface-to-air and air-to-air threat replications through Aggressor units, providing a realistic opposing force by employing enemy tactics during air combat training. In addition to focusing on tactical and operational level air combat, the Aggressor role expands the training to include ground, space and cyberspace.
Approximately 2,000 U.S. service members are expected to fly, maintain and support more than 80 aircraft from 20 units during this third iteration of the Pacific Air Forces-directed exercise this year. U.S. Marine Corps and Royal Australian Air Force service members will also participate, enabling the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability with fellow Airmen. Most aircraft will be based at and fly from Eielson Air Force Base and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Red Flag-Alaska exercises integrate various forces in a realistic threat environment and dates back to 1975, when it was held at Clark Air Base, Philippines, where it was called Exercise Cope Thunder.
Red Flag-Alaska serves as an ideal platform for international engagement and the exercise has a long history of including Allies and partners.