Typhoon aircraft and personnel from 1 (Fighter) and 6 Squadrons, normally based at RAF Leuchars, have participated in the largest and most complex air combat exercise in the world described as the “pinnacle” of international military training.
Held at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Exercise Red Flag 14-1 attracted more than 160 military aircraft from the US, UK and Australia.
The RAF is no stranger to Red Flag, having been a regular participant since the exercise was established in 1975 to improve the survival chances for military aircrew by replicating real combat as closely as possible.
The commander of the RAF detachment, Group Captain Mark Jeffery, said: “Red Flag is probably the premier flying exercise in the western world.
“We’re very lucky as we’re on the doorstep of the Nevada ranges here, a very large area where we’re able to simulate all sorts of threats.
“So as well as a flying exercise involving fast jets and tanker aircraft, there’s also a lot of play with other capabilities, such as cyber and space.
“Red Flag is the pinnacle. It’s the exercise you need to do to make sure your forces are ready.
“Hopefully they’ll never have to do this for real, but clearly we need to be ready to be able to do this anywhere in the world.”
Back at RAF Leuchars, 1 (F) and 6 Squadrons are responsible for maintaining Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North, providing crews and aircraft at high states of readiness to protect the skies over the northern UK.
On Red Flag, their Typhoons joined forces with the very latest in US technology, including F-22A Raptor fighters and B-2A Stealth bombers.