To take part in the US multinational exercise ‘Red Flag 24’ which is going to be held in the world’s largest air-space, Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jets and air crew have reached Alaska.
Eight Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force, one C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and one IL-78 (Russian) air-refueller are taking part in the Red Flag exercise (May 30- June 14, 2024) which is going to be held in an area of about 77,000 square miles.
The IAF contingent has reached the US Air Force’s Eielson Base in Alaska (USA). According to the Air Force, to take part in the exercise, the Rafale fighter jet has taken a ‘transatlantic flight’ with the help of IL-78 and C-17. Enroute, the IAF fighter jets and the team of airmen also halted in Greece and Portugal.
Describing the aircrew as ‘diplomats in flight suits’, the IAF Force said that the aim of this two-week-long aerial combat training exercise is to integrate airmen in a multinational environment
The Red Flag (Alaska) exercise is conducted by the US Pacific Air Force, which is held in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range. Since 1975, the US has been conducting this exercise with its friendly countries. This year, air forces of a total of four countries, including the US and India, are participating in this exercise. The Indian Air Force took part in this exercise for the first time in the year 2008.
The Pacific Air Force issued a statement saying that this year a total of 100 aircraft and 3100 airmen from the air forces of four countries are participating in Red Flag. The exercise will be conducted from two air bases in Alaska, Eielson and Joint Base Ilmendorf-Richardson. The exercise will provide “real-time training to joint combined forces in a simulated combat environment to improve interoperability while exchanging tactics, techniques and strategies.”