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Red Flag 2024

4th June, 2024

Red Flag 2024

Source: Eurasiantimes

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

  • An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has arrived at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to participate in the prestigious multi-national exercise, Red Flag 24.
  • Supported by IL-78 air-to-air refuelers and the C-17 transport aircraft, the IAF Rafale fighters undertook a transatlantic flight.
  • They made staging halts in Greece and Portugal before reaching their destination.

Details:

Background:

  • RED FLAG-Alaska is an exercise sponsored by Pacific Air Forces, initially named COPE THUNDER.
  • It was relocated to Eielson AFB from Clark Air Base, Philippines, in 1992 due to the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.
  • COPE THUNDER was later renamed RED FLAG-Alaska in
  • Beginning in 1976, COPE THUNDER was created to provide aircrews with simulated combat training.
  • It evolved into PACAF's primary exercise for airpower employment.

How it works?

  • Participants in RED FLAG-Alaska are divided into

1."Red" defensive forces

2."Blue" offensive forces

3."White" forces serving as a neutral controlling agency.

  • The defensive forces include ground-control intercept and surface air defense units to replicate potential threats from hostile nations.
  • They employ defensive counter-air tactics under ground-control intercept guidance.

Participation and Objectives:

  • Red Flag is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise.
  • It aims to integrate aircrew in a multinational environment.
  • This year’s exercise promises a unique experience for the IAF.
  • It joins forces with other international participants to enhance their combat readiness and interoperability.

Rafale Deployment:

  • India has sent eight Rafale fighter jets to the cold climes of Alaska.
  • They are split equally between single-seaters and twin-seaters.
  • The exercise will see the IAF's top guns honing their skills alongside aircrews from other countries in a 15-day intensive training program.

Exercise Location and Management:

  • Eielson Air Force Base, located just 40 km from the town of Fairbanks, will serve as the hub for this multinational collaboration.
  • The base is home to a squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcons and two squadrons of the United States Air Forces’ (USAF) F-35s.
  • The exercise is managed by the 353rd Combat Training Squadron based at Eielson AFB,
  • It oversees extensive weapons ranges and airspace.

Red Flag Exercises Overview:

  • Red Flag exercises simulate realistic combat scenarios and are held at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
  • These exercises enable joint and international units to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • They also help in improving interoperability in a realistic threat environment.

About Rafale Jets:

Details:

  • The Rafale deal between India and France was finalized in 2016,
  • Under this deal,India acquired 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation of France.
  • This agreement was seen as crucial for India's defense modernization efforts.
  • It aimed to bolster its air combat capabilities.

Specifications:

  • The state-of-the-art 4.5 Generation Rafale jet can reach almost double the speed of sound with a top speed of 1.8 Mach.
  • It has multi-role capabilities, including electronic warfare, air defence, ground support and in-depth strikes

Benefits:

1.Combat Proven:

  • Utilized by the French Air Force in missions across various regions
  • Deployed in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Central African Republic, Iraq, and Syria

2.Increased Payload Capacity:

  • Ability to carry more fuel and weapons compared to the J20

3.Advanced Missile Systems:

  • Equipped with the Meteor (air-to-air missile)
  • Features a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability of over 100 km
  • Travels at a top speed of Mach 4

4.Superiority Over F16:

  • Outperforms F16 jets in dogfights

5.Advanced Ground Attack Capability:

  • Includes the SCALP air-to-ground cruise missile
  • Provides long-range deep strike capability with a range exceeding 300 km

MUST READ ARTICLES:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/fighter-strength-of-iaf

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-rafale-fighter-jets-heres-everything-from-speed-to-weapon-capabilities

Source:  financialexpress

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Red Flag 24:

1. It is a bilateral exercise between India-USA

2. Red Flag exercises are held at Patankot Airbase in India.

Which of the above statements are Correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) None

Answer: (d)