Excercise Red Flag : Indian Airforce in Alaska, USA

A contingent from the Indian Air Force (IAF) has reached Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to take part in the esteemed international exercise, Red Flag 24.

The IAF's Rafale fighters, supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelers and C-17 transport aircraft, completed a transatlantic journey with stops in Greece and Portugal before arriving at their final destination.

Red Flag is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise that integrates aircrews in a multinational setting. It aims to simulate a realistic and demanding environment, gathering aircrew and equipment from various nations and services.

This year’s exercise offers the IAF a valuable opportunity to collaborate with international participants, boosting their combat readiness and interoperability.

India has deployed eight Rafale fighter jets to Alaska, evenly divided between single-seater and twin-seater models.

Starting on Thursday, May 30, 2024, the exercise will see IAF pilots refining their skills alongside other international aircrews in a 15-day intensive training program. Eielson Air Force Base, situated about 40 km from Fairbanks, will be the center of this multinational cooperation.

Red Flag exercises are structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience by simulating realistic combat situations. There are two primary locations for Red Flag exercises: Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The Nevada exercises are organized by the United States Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC), while the Alaska exercises are managed by the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), the air component command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).

Source: Indian Air force