The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024, a advanced aerial combat training exercise hosted by the US Air Force at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The exercise, which took place from June 4 to June 14, saw the IAF contingent flying Rafale aircraft alongside personnel from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Netherlands Air Force, German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force.
This was the first time the IAF’s Rafale aircraft participated in Exercise Red Flag, and they operated alongside F-16 and F-15 aircraft from the US Air Force Aggressor Squadron, as well as A-10 aircraft. The exercise involved Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat exercises and Large Force Engagements (LFE) in Offensive Counter Air and Air Defence roles.
Despite challenging weather conditions and sub-zero temperatures, the IAF maintenance crew ensured that all aircraft were serviceable throughout the exercise, and over 100 sorties were flown. The exercise provided valuable insights into interoperability with international partners and a collaborative understanding of employment philosophy in a multinational environment.
Following the exercise, the IAF contingent will participate in exercises with the air forces of Greece and Egypt before returning to India on June 24. The IAF looks forward to hosting participating contingents from other countries during Exercise Tarang Shakti-2024, India’s first multinational air exercise, later this year.
Pic courtesy: Indian Air Force