A Trip To Las Vegas: Red Flag 24-2
Red Flag 24-2 was held from March 10th to the 23rd. NATO units from around the world joined and participated in this two-week-long exercise, focusing specifically on cultivating F-35 interoperability on an international scale with NATO partners. The Royal Netherlands Air Force, along with the Danish Air Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marines, all played crucial roles in further advancing modern warfare with the F-35 against other 4th and 5th generation aircraft.
This exercise unveiled new scenarios based on current operations in Europe, including new targeting regions, camouflage methods, and various immersive scenarios that will further aid our allies in combat. Red Air (64th, 65th, 706th AGRS) provided new threat emulation techniques as well as advisory capabilities to simulate threats in highly contested areas.
Fighter units from the U.S. included the 366th Fighter Wing from Mountain Home, Idaho, providing F-15 Strike Eagles, the 56th Wing from Luke AFB, AZ with F-35A's, Top Aces F-16s from Mesa, AZ, VMFA-323 from MCAS Miramar, CA, and VMFA-533 from MCAS Beaufort, SC with both FA-18C Legacy Hornets. VAQ-135 from NAS Whidbey Island, WA with EA-18 Growlers, VMFA-242 from MCAS Iwakuni, JP with F-35B's. The interdiction role was provided by the 69th Bomb Squadron out of Minot AFB in ND with their B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. Command & Control was facilitated by the 964th AACS out of Tinker AFB in OK, and refueling was provided by the 106th, 6th, & 351st Air Refueling Squadrons with KC-135 aircraft.
International players included the Royal Netherlands Air Force with both the 322nd Squadron from Leeuwarden Air Base and the 313th Squadron from Volkel Air Base with their F35A aircraft. Additionally, the 308th Fighter Squadron from Luke trained the Royal Danish Air Force in their F35A aircraft. Refueling was provided by the MMU, RNALF A330 MRTT tanker.
Continuing with interoperability, the F-35 Lightning II aircraft refers to seamless integration and communication with other military assets, including NATO, enabling real-time data sharing and coordinated operations. Equipped with advanced communication systems, Link 16, and sensor fusion capabilities, the F-35 exchanges critical information supporting diverse missions, from air-to-air combat to intelligence gathering. This interoperability enhances situational awareness and mission effectiveness, enabling the F-35 to operate effectively within joint operations, as seen at Nellis with NATO coalition forces.
"With both U.S. and non-U.S. pilots flying the same cutting-edge aircraft, we gain seamless exchange of tactical data over advanced datalinks," said General James B. Hecker, Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe. "In the wake of Russia’s Ukraine invasion, U.S. and Dutch Koninklijke Luchtmacht F-35s flew missions together in a single four-ship formation on the eastern flank."
By 2030, 19 NATO countries will have received or will be receiving F-35 fifth-generation aircraft. This integration poses a crucial obstacle for any opponent. The goal is to land at an F35 Base and “Refuel-Repair-Rearm-Return to the fight,” as emphasized by Gen Hecker's statement.
The participation of NATO partners in exercises like Red Flag 24-3 showcases the growing importance of F-35 interoperability in modern warfare. With seamless integration and data sharing capabilities, the F-35 strengthens coalition operations, enhancing situational awareness and mission effectiveness. As more countries adopt the F-35, its ability to serve as a force multiplier in joint operations will continue to shape the future landscape of air combat worldwide.
It will be interesting to see future changes... Especially as the advantage for the F-35s interoperability in meeting the emerging battlefield.
