View source for Exercise Red Flag

{{Short description|Military exercise}}
{{About|US Air Force exercises||Red flag (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox recurring event
|name              = Exercise Red Flag<br/>Red Flag – Nellis
|logo              = Red Flag Logo.png
|logo_alt          = 
|logo_caption      = 
|logo_size         = 275px
|image             = 
|image_size        = 
|alt               = 
|caption           = 
|status            = Active
|genre             = [[Military exercise]]
|date              = <!-- {{start date|YYYY|mm|dd}} "dates=" also works, but do not use both -->
|begins            = <!-- {{start date|YYYY|mm|dd}} -->
|ends              = <!-- {{end date|YYYY|mm|dd}} -->
|frequency         = Three times a year
|venue             = [[Nellis Air Force Base]], Nevada<br/>[[Nevada Test and Training Range]]
|location          = [[Las Vegas]], Nevada
|coordinates       = {{coord|36|14|10.32|N|115|02|03.32|W|display=inline,title}}
|country           = United States
|first             = {{Start date|1975|11|29|df=y}}<br/>({{Age in years and months|1975|11|29}} ago)
|founder_name      = [[Tactical Air Command]]
|organised         = [[414th Combat Training Squadron]]
|website           = {{URL|https://www.nellis.af.mil/About/High-End-Training/Red-Flag-Nellis/}}
|footnotes         = 
}}

[[Image:F16C Aggressor.jpg|thumb|right|F-16C aggressor aircraft during Red Flag 06-1]]
'''Exercise Red Flag''' (also '''Red Flag – Nellis''')<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red Flag-Nellis |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/About/High-End-Training/Red-Flag-Nellis/ |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=www.nellis.af.mil}}</ref> is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise held several times a year by the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF). It aims to offer realistic air-combat training for military pilots and other flight crew members from the United States and allied countries.

Each year, three to six Red Flag exercises are held at [[Nellis Air Force Base]], [[Nevada]], while up to four more, dubbed [[Red Flag – Alaska]], are held at [[Eielson Air Force Base]], [[Alaska]].

First held on 29 November 1975, Red Flag exercises bring together aircrews from the USAF, [[United States Navy]] (USN), [[United States Marine Corps]] (USMC), [[United States Army]] (USA) and numerous [[NATO]] and allied nations' air forces.

Red Flag exercises are conducted under the control of the [[United States Air Force Warfare Center]] (USAFWC) at Nellis. They are run by the [[414th Combat Training Squadron]] (414 CTS) of the [[57th Wing]] (57 WG). They use "enemy" hardware and live ammunition for bombing exercises within the adjacent [[Nevada Test and Training Range]] (NTTR).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4082|title=Factsheets : U.S. Air Force Warfare Center|work=af.mil|access-date=17 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905190344/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4082|archive-date=5 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4098|title=Factsheets : 57th Wing|work=af.mil|access-date=17 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905192059/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4098|archive-date=5 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Organization==
The 414 CTS mission is to maximize the combat readiness and survivability of participants by providing a realistic training environment and a pre-flight and post-flight training forum that encourages a free exchange of ideas.<ref name="af.mil">{{cite web|url=http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=19160|title=Factsheets : 414th Combat Training Squadron "Red Flag"|work=af.mil|access-date=17 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918180334/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=19160|archive-date=18 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> To accomplish this, combat units from the United States and its allied countries engage in realistic combat training scenarios carefully conducted within the Nellis Range Complex. The Nellis Range complex is located northwest of [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] and covers an area of {{convert|60|nmi|km|0}} by {{convert|100|nmi|km|-1}}, about half the area of [[Switzerland]]. This space allows the exercises to be on an enormous scale.<ref name="af.mil"/>

[[Image:F-22 Raptor - 100201-F-7443P-570.jpg|thumb|A [[F-22 Raptor]] during Red Flag 10–2 with Las Vegas in the background]]
In a typical Red Flag exercise, Blue Forces (friendly) engage Red Forces (hostile) in realistic combat situations.

Blue Forces are made up of units from the [[Air Combat Command]] (ACC), [[Air Mobility Command]] (AMC), [[Air Force Global Strike Command]] (AFGSC), [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] (AFSOC), [[United States Air Forces Europe]] (USAFE), [[Pacific Air Forces]] (PACAF), [[Air National Guard]] (ANG), [[Air Force Reserve Command]] (AFRC), and [[Air Force Space Command]] (AFSPC), aviation units of the [[U.S. Navy]], [[U.S. Marine Corps]] and [[U.S. Army]], the [[Royal Air Force]], [[Royal Canadian Air Force]], and [[Royal Australian Air Force]], as well as other allied air forces and fleet air arms. They are led by a Blue Forces commander, who coordinates the units in an "employment plan" scheme of operation.

Red Forces (adversary forces) are composed of the 57th Wing's [[57th Adversary Tactics Group]] (57 ATG), flying [[F-16]]s from the [[64th Aggressor Squadron]] (64 AGRS)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=18068|title=Factsheets : 64th Aggressor Squadron|work=af.mil|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918230553/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=18068|archive-date=18 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35s]] from the [[65th Aggressor Squadron]] (65 AGRS)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=18480|title=Factsheets : Unknown Fact Sheet|work=af.mil|access-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918233340/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=18480|archive-date=18 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> to provide realistic air threats through the emulation of opposition tactics.  The Red Forces are also augmented by other U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps units flying in concert with the 507th Air Defense Aggressor Squadron's (507 ADAS) electronic ground defenses and communications, and radar jamming equipment. The [[527th Space Aggressor Squadron]] (527 SAS), an Active Duty unit, and the [[26th Space Aggressor Squadron]] (26 SAS), an Air Force Reserve Command unit, also provide GPS jamming.  Additionally, the Red Force command and control organization simulates a realistic enemy integrated air defense system (IADS).
[[Image:Two F-15I Ra'am.JPEG|thumb|left|Two [[Israeli Air Force]] [[F-15 Eagle|F-15]] Ra'ams practicing air defense maneuvers at Red Flag 2004]]

A key element of Red Flag operations is the Red Flag Measurement and Debriefing System (RFMDS). RFMDS is a computer hardware and software network that provides real-time monitoring, post-mission reconstruction of maneuvers and tactics, participant pairings, and integration of range targets and simulated threats. Blue Force commanders objectively assess mission effectiveness and validate lessons learned from data provided by the RFMDS.

A typical flag exercise year includes ten Green Flags (a close air support (CAS) exercise with the U.S. Army),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=19524|title=Factsheets : Green Flag|work=af.mil|access-date=17 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918230608/http://www.nellis.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=19524|archive-date=18 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> one Canadian [[MAPLE FLAG|Maple Flag]] (operated by the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]]) and four Red Flags. Each Red Flag exercise normally involves a variety of fighter interdiction, attack/strike, air superiority, [[SEAD|enemy air defense suppression]], [[airlift]], [[air refueling]] and [[reconnaissance]] missions. In a 12-month period, more than 500 aircraft fly more than 20,000 [[sortie]]s, while training more than 5,000 aircrews and 14,000 support and maintenance personnel.

Before a "flag" begins, the Red Flag staff conducts a planning conference where unit representatives and planning staff members develop the size and scope of their participation. All aspects of the exercise, including billeting of personnel, transportation to Nellis AFB, range coordination, ordnance/munitions scheduling, and development of training scenarios, are designed to be as realistic as possible, fully exercising each participating unit's capabilities and objectives.

==Origin==
[[Image:14-5098 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II MSN AF-99 (32778747691).jpg|thumb|The [[United States Air Force]] [[F-35A]] made its debut at Red Flag 17-1<ref>{{Cite web |last=Demerly |first=Tom |date=2017-02-28 |title="Red Flag confirmed F-35 dominance with a 20:1 kill ratio" U.S. Air Force says |url=https://theaviationist.com/2017/02/28/red-flag-confirmed-f-35-dominance-with-a-201-kill-ratio-u-s-air-force-says/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref>]]

The origin of Red Flag was the unacceptable performance of USAF fighter pilots and [[weapon systems officer]]s (WSO) in [[Dogfight|air-to-air combat]] ("air combat maneuvering," ACM) during the [[Vietnam War]] in comparison to previous wars.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}  Air combat over North Vietnam between 1965 and 1973 led to an overall exchange ratio (ratio of enemy aircraft shot down to the number of own aircraft lost to enemy fighters) of 2.2:1 (for a while in June and July 1972 during [[Operation Linebacker]] the ratio was less than 1:1).

Among the several factors resulting in this disparity was a lack of realistic ACM training. USAF pilots and WSOs of the late 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s were not versed in the core values and basics of ACM due to the belief that [[beyond-visual-range missile]] (BVR) engagements and equipment made "close-in" maneuvering in air combat obsolete.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}  As a result of this BVR-only mindset reaching its zenith in the early 1960s, nearly all USAF fighter pilots and WSOs of the period were unpracticed in maneuvering against dissimilar aircraft because of a concurrent Air Force emphasis on flying safety. This led to U.S. aircrews' susceptibility to ACM as well as [[surface-to-air missiles]] (SAM).{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

An Air Force analysis known as [[Project Red Baron|Project Red Baron II]] showed that a pilot's chances of survival in combat dramatically increased after he had completed ten combat missions. As a result, Red Flag was created in 1975 to offer USAF pilots and weapon systems officers the opportunity to fly ten realistically simulated combat missions in a safe training environment with measurable results.

Colonel Richard "Moody" Suter, who was well liked at [[Nellis Air Force Base]], became the driving force in Red Flag's implementation, persuading the [[Tactical Air Command]] (TAC) commander, General [[Robert J. Dixon]], to adopt the program. General Dixon approved the idea in May 1975 and ordered the exercise established within six months. The first Red Flag exercise was conducted in compliance with General Dixon's schedule on 29 November 1975 and included 37 aircraft, supported by 561 personnel, flying some 552 sorties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyne |first=Walter J. |date=2000-11-01 |title=Red Flag |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1100flag/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=[[Air Force Magazine]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 1 March 1976, the 4440th Tactical Fighter Training Group (Red Flag) was chartered with Col P.J. White as the first commander, Lt Col Marty Mahrt, as vice commander Lt Col David Burney as Director of Operations.  This small crew under Col White's leadership undertook the task of firmly establishing the program.

[[Image:Sukhoi2.jpg|thumb|An [[Indian Air Force]] [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]] undergoes post-flight maintenance during the Red Flag exercise in 2008.]]
The [[Aggressor squadron|"aggressor squadrons"]], the opponents who flew against the pilots undergoing training, were selected from the top fighter pilots in the U.S. Air Force.  These pilots were trained to operate according to the tactical doctrines of the [[Soviet Union]] and other enemies of the period, to better simulate what then-TAC, as well as [[USAFE]], [[PACAF]] and other [[NATO]] pilots and WSOs would likely encounter in real combat against a [[Warsaw Pact]] or other [[Client state#Soviet Union|Soviet-proxy]] adversary.  The aggressors were initially equipped with readily available [[T-38 Talon]] aircraft to simulate the [[Mikoyan MiG-21]], the T-38 being similar in terms of size and performance. [[Northrop F-5|F-5 Tiger II]] fighters, painted in color schemes commonly found on Soviet aircraft, were added shortly after that and became the mainstay until the [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]] was introduced.

Today, the [[414th Combat Training Squadron]] (414 CTS) is the unit currently tasked with running Red Flag exercises, while the [[64th Aggressor Squadron]] (64 AGRS) also based at Nellis AFB uses F-16 aircraft to emulate the [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29 Fulcrum]]. These aircraft continue to be painted in the various camouflage schemes of potential adversaries.  An additional squadron at Nellis, the [[65th Aggressor Squadron]] (65 AGRS), operated [[F-15 Eagle]] fighter aircraft in various camouflage schemes of potential adversaries to replicate [[Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27 Flanker]] and [[Sukhoi Su-35|Su-35 Flanker]] threats.  However, the 65 AGRS was inactivated<ref>{{cite web|title=Nellis aggressor squadron inactivated|url=https://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/502924/nellis-aggressor-squadron-inactivated.aspx|work=af.mil|date=29 September 2014 |access-date=29 September 2014}}</ref> on 26 September 2014 due to the Fiscal Year 2015 budget constraints imposed upon the Air Force that zero-lined the squadron's budget.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/las-vegas/65th-aggressor-squadron-falls-prey-nellis-budget-cuts|title=65th Aggressor Squadron Falls Prey to Nellis Budget Cuts|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|access-date=27 December 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Time Lapse of Nellis ramp during Red Flag 21-1.webm|thumb|left|[[Time-lapse]] of the ramp at Nellis AFB during Red Flag 21–1 in February 2021]]
The [[U.S. Navy]] operates a similar large-force training exercise known as '''Air Wing Fallon''' at [[NAS Fallon]] and the [[Fallon Range Training Complex]] in northern Nevada.  Air Wing Fallon is a month-long evolution designed to enhance a carrier air wing's war-fighting ability in both the air-to-air and air-to-ground arenas, with the primary focus being for the air wing to become familiar with the complexity of a massive force strike (LFS). Previously under the aegis of "Strike University" (STRIKE U), an O-6 level command when it was formed in 1984, ''Strike U'' was later merged with the fighter community's [[TOPGUN]] and the carrier airborne [[Airborne early warning and control|early warning]] community's TOP DOME following those organization's 1993 [[Base Realignment and Closure|BRAC]]-directed relocation from the former [[NAS Miramar]], California, forming the [[Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center]] (NSAWC) under the command of naval aviation [[flag officer]] at NAS Fallon in July 1996.  NSAWC then became the executive agent for Air Wing Fallon.

In the 2010s, NSAWC incorporated the [[Electronic warfare|electronic attack]] community's HAVOC directorate, and in 2016, NSAWC was re-designated as the [[Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center|Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center]] (NAWDC).<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/nawdc/Pages/About.aspx| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161011011151/http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/nawdc/Pages/About.aspx| archive-date = 2016-10-11| title = About}}</ref>  The Commander of NAWDC at NAS Fallon, the Commander of the [[United States Air Force Warfare Center|USAFWC]] at Nellis AFB, and their respective subordinate units and staffs maintain natural rapport with each other in areas of shared equities and the tactical development of the Joint Force.

Red Flag and Air Wing Fallon should not be confused with smaller, but longer duration, programs that the USAF and USN run to train individual weapons and tactics instructors.  In 2009, the [[416th Flight Test Squadron]] from [[Edwards AFB]], California, participated in Red Flag as well, the first time an [[Air Force Materiel Command]] (AFMC) unit had been part of the program.

Red Flag 22–3, hosted in July 2022, marked a near tripling of the usual exercise area, with the 414th Combat Training Squadron and the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] having worked out a network of airspace corridors connecting the Nevada Test and Training Range with the [[Utah Test and Training Range]] and the [[R-2508 Special Use Airspace Complex]] around Edwards Air Force Base, California. This arrangement brought the total airspace area for Red Flag 22–3 to {{convert|36000|mi2}}, an adjustment needed for the training with [[fifth-generation fighter]] aircraft, which use longer-range maneuvers than previous fighters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gott |first=Makenna |date=2022-07-25 |title=FAA, Nellis AFB partner to expand Red Flag airspace arena |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/425773/faa-nellis-afb-partner-expand-red-flag-airspace-arena |access-date=2022-08-07 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref>

==Participating countries==
<!-- Please Do Not Include Participants of Alaska Red Flag as it have its own page. -->
[[Image:Boeing E-3 Sentry - 090825-F-0894S-047.jpg|thumb|A USAF E-3 Sentry AWACS used to control the large number of aircraft during Red Flag exercises]]
Only countries considered friendly towards the United States take part in Red Flag exercises. So far, the countries to have participated in these exercises are:

{{Dynamic list}}
{{colbegin}}
*{{AUS}} <small>({{citation needed span|date=February 2023|1980, 1982, 1984,}} September 2002,<ref name="02-4">{{Cite web |date=2002 |title=Red Flag Exercise 02-04, Nellis AFB, September 2002: Allies |url=https://www.air-and-space.com/Red%20Flag%2002-04%20Allies.htm |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Goleta Air & Space Museum}}</ref> June 2006,<ref name="06-1">{{Cite web |last=Volmer |first=Jennifer |date=2006-06-06 |title=First Red Flag of 2006 begins |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/286140/first-red-flag-of-2006-begins/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref> February 2007,<ref name="07-2">{{Cite web |last=McVay |first=Justin |date=2007-01-11 |title=Historic Red Flag kicks off |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/286066/historic-red-flag-kicks-off/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref> February 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.defence.gov.au/2016/02/22/exercise-red-flag-2016-wrap-up/ |title=Exercise Red Flag 2016 wrap up |access-date=23 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331184518/http://news.defence.gov.au/2016/02/22/exercise-red-flag-2016-wrap-up/ |archive-date=31 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> February 2018,<ref name="raf18-1">{{cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-coningsby/news/raf-typhoons-join-exercise-red-flag-in-nevada|title=RAF Typhoons join Exercise Red Flag in Nevada|website=raf.mod.uk|date=2018-02-02|access-date=2022-08-04}}</ref> February 2022,<ref name="nellis.af.mil">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2909175/red-flag-nellis-22-1-kicks-off-with-allied-forces/|title=Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 kicks off with allied forces|website=Nellis Air Force Base|date=24 January 2022 }}</ref> January 2023,<ref name="23-1">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Cydnie |date=2023-01-24 |title=Red Flag-Nellis 23-1 kicks off |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3275381/red-flag-nellis-23-1-kicks-off/ |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=[[Nellis Air Force Base]] |language=en-US}}</ref> January 2024<ref name="24-1">{{Cite web |last=Cummings |first=Jimmy |date=2024-01-15 |title=Nellis begins Red Flag 24-1 |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3644835/nellis-begins-red-flag-24-1/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |publisher=57th Wing Public Affairs |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{BEL}} <small>(October 2006,<ref>{{Cite web |title=EAGLE ON THE RANGE |url=https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Photos/igphoto/2001974512/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=www.defense.gov}}</ref> February 2011,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article/285185/red-flag-11-2-provides-belgians-realistic-training/|title=Red Flag 11-2 provides Belgians realistic training|website=Nellis Air Force Base|date=3 February 2011 }}</ref> 2014,<ref name="afmag"/> March 2019<ref name="19-2">{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Angela |date=2019-03-21 |title=Colombian Air Force supports US Navy Growlers for premier air-to-air combat |url=https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article/1792529/colombian-air-force-supports-us-navy-growlers-for-premier-air-to-air-combat/ |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{BRA}} <small>(August 1998,<ref name="infodefensa.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-09-25 |title=Four American countries to launch joint military exercises |url=http://en.people.cn/200409/25/eng20040925_158271.html |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=[[People's Daily Online]]}}</ref> July 2008<ref name="08-3">{{Cite web |date=2008-07-15 |title=Red Flag exercises slated for July and August |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/285772/red-flag-exercises-slated-for-july-and-august/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{CAN}} <small>(1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1989,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-05 |title=Canada Operations |url=https://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/CanadaOperations.html |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=The Northrop F-5 Enthusiast Page}}</ref> September 2002,<ref name="02-4"/> August 2006<ref name="06-2">{{Cite web |title=Red Flag to take flight Saturday |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/286112/red-flag-to-take-flight-saturday/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |date=4 August 2006 |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{CHI}} <small>(July 1998)</small><ref name="infodefensa.com">{{cite web |last=Quevedo |first=José A. |date=2017-07-24 |title=Pilotos latinoamericanos en el Red Flag |url=http://www.infodefensa.com/latam/2017/07/24/opinion-pilotos-latinoamericanos.php |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=infodefensa.com |language=es}}</ref>
*{{COL}} <small>(September 2002,<ref name="02-4"/> July 2012,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fac.mil.co/red-flag|title=RED FLAG|website=Fuerza Aérea Colombiana}}</ref> February 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-30 |title=Fuerza Aérea Colombiana se prepara para Red Flag 2018 |url=https://www.fac.mil.co/fuerza-a%C3%A9rea-colombiana-se-prepara-para-red-flag-2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308121349/https://www.fac.mil.co/fuerza-a%C3%A9rea-colombiana-se-prepara-para-red-flag-2018 |archive-date=2021-03-08 |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=Fuerza Aérea Colombiana |language=es}}</ref><ref name="18-3">{{Cite web |last=Darbasie |first=Bailee A. |date=2018-07-24 |title=Red Flag 18-3: readiness through innovation, integration and interoperability |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article/1582982/red-flag-18-3-readiness-through-innovation-integration-and-interoperability/https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1582982/red-flag-18-3-readiness-through-innovation-integration-and-interoperability/ |access-date=2022-08-04 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> March 2019<ref name="19-2"/>)</small>
*{{DEN}} <small>(November 2007,<ref name="08-1">{{Cite web |last=Whitney |first=Ryan |date=2007-11-13 |title=Red Flag wraps up |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/285932/red-flag-wraps-up/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref> 2014<ref name="afmag">{{cite web | url = https://www.airforcemag.com/article/red-flag-for-the-future/ | title = Red Flag for the Future| website=airforcemag.com | access-date = 2022-04-02}}</ref>)</small>
*{{FIN}} <small>(2018)</small><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.defmin.fi/en/administrative_branch/finland_s_participation_in_international_training_and_exercises | title = Finland's participation in international training and exercises | website=Ministry of Defence | access-date = 2018-02-26}}</ref>
*{{FRA}} <small>(August 2006,<ref name="06-2"/> August 2008<ref name="defense.gouv.fr">{{cite web| url = http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/breves-migration/exercice-red-flag-08-aux-usa| title = Exercice "Red Flag 08" aux USA}}</ref><ref name="Aug08">{{Cite web |date=2021-09-05 |title=Exercises - Red Flag Aug 08 |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/exercises-red-flag-aug-08/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=Indian Air Force |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{GER}} <small>(November 1999,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=Brian |date=1999-11-05 |title=Red Flag Exercise, Nellis AFB, November 5, 1999 |url=https://www.air-and-space.com/991105%20red%20flag%20a.htm |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Goleta Air & Space Museum |quote=This exercise marked the introduction of German MiG-29 Fulcrums.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ridderbusch |first=Katja |date=2000-02-17 |title="Wir sind gegen einen Mythos geflogen" |language=de |work=[[Die Welt]] |url=https://www.welt.de/print-welt/article503055/Wir-sind-gegen-einen-Mythos-geflogen.html |access-date=2022-04-02}}</ref> March 2001,<ref name="spon-crash">{{Cite news |last=Ludwig |first=Udo |date=2002-09-29 |title=Ganz ruhig, okay |language=de |work=[[Der Spiegel]] |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ganz-ruhig-okay-a-5f823e72-0002-0001-0000-000025327042 |access-date=2022-04-02 |issn=2195-1349}}</ref> August 2006,<ref name="06-2"/> August 2007,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-09-20 |title=Red Flag - Changing With The Times |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/285966/red-flag-changing-with-the-times/ |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref> March 2020<ref name="20-2">{{Cite web |last=Loera |first=Miranda A. |date=2020-03-09 |title=Red Flag 20-2: Maximizing combat readiness, capability, survivability between forces |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2105997/red-flag-20-2-maximizing-combat-readiness-capability-survivability-between-forc/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{GRE}} <small>(October 2008)</small><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shiloh |first=Kenya |date=2008-10-31 |title=Multi-national air force training exercise big success |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/285722/multi-national-air-force-training-exercise-big-success/ |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref>
*{{IND}} <small>(August 2008,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IAF-may-take-part-in-combat-exercise-in-US/articleshow/47335354.cms|title=IAF may take part in combat exercise in US|work=The Times of India|date=19 May 2015 |access-date=11 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="Aug08"/> 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/india-to-participate-in-exercises-rimpac-and-red-flag-in-us-next-year/|title=India to participate in world's largest maritime warfare exercise in US next year|date=11 December 2015|work=The Indian Express|access-date=11 December 2015}}</ref> May 2024 <ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-contingent-arrives-at-eielson-af-base-in-alaska-for-multi-national-exercise-red-flag-24/amp_articleshow/110563596.cms | title=IAF contingent arrives at Eielson AF Base in Alaska for multi-national exercise 'Red Flag 24' | newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref>)</small> 
*{{ISR}} <small>(September 2002,<ref name="02-4"/> August 2004,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-25 |title=An Israeli Defense Force-Air Force F-15D Eagle aircraft brakes away [...] |url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6684452 |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=[[National Archives and Records Administration]]}}</ref> 2009, August 2015,<ref name="15-4">{{Cite web |last=Valinski |first=Steven |date=2015-09-13 |title=Red Flag 15-4: Live & Virtual over the NTTR |url=https://aviationphotodigest.com/red-flag-15-4-live/ |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Aviation Photography Digest |language=en-US}}</ref> August 2016,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=September 15, 2017|date=August 13, 2016|url=http://militaryaviationreview.com/israeli-f-16is-head-to-red-flag|title=Israeli F-16Is head to Red Flag|first=Moray|last=Pickering|website=Military Aviation Review}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaf.org.il/4451-46951-en/IAF.aspx|first=Nadav|last=Shahm|date=September 4, 2016|access-date=September 15, 2017|title=The "Red-Flag" Training Exercise Has Come to an End|website=Israeli Air Force official}}</ref> March 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Estrada |first=Megan |date=2023-03-13 |title=Red Flag Nellis 23-2 underway |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3326048/red-flag-nellis-23-2-underway/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |publisher=57th Wing Public Affairs |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{ITA}} <small>({{citation needed span|date=September 2023|October 1989, October 1992,}} September 2002,<ref name="02-4"/> March 2016,<ref name="16-2">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Todd |date=2016-03-22 |title=Red Flag 16-2: Italian, Turkish and U.S. Forces Train to Fight Advanced Adversary |url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/03/22/red-flag-16-2-italian-turkish-and-u-s-forces-train-to-fight-advanced-adversary/ |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref> March 2019{{efn|In 2019, the [[Italian Air Force]] did not participate with aircraft of their own, but sent three instructor pilots who participated as part of the United States Air Force's [[62nd Fighter Squadron]].}}<ref name="businessinsider.com">{{cite web | url = https://www.businessinsider.com/italian-pilots-raved-about-first-red-flag-exercise-with-us-made-f-35-2019-4 | title = Italian pilots raved about their first 'Red Flag' exercise with the US-made F-35| website=businessinsider.com | access-date = 2021-07-14}}</ref>)</small>
*{{JOR}} <small>(August 2015)</small><ref name="15-4"/>
*{{flag|NATO}}{{Efn|NATO is not a country, but its [[NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen#NATO E-3A Component|E-3A component]] does not belong to any of the participating air forces and is directly subordinate to NATO.}} <small>(July 2008,<ref name="08-3"/> July 2010,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-07-19 |title=Red Flag 10-04 kicks off July 19 |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/285339/red-flag-10-04-kicks-off-july-19/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref> March 2014,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stella |first=Annemarie |date=2014-03-10 |title=Nellis AFB RED FLAG 14-2 Update 10 March |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/video/323397/nellis-afb-red-flag-14-2-update-10-march |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref> March 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-02-27 |title=Nellis readies for Red Flag 15-2 |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/664772/nellis-readies-for-red-flag-15-2/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Todd |date=2015-03-16 |title=All you need to know about the latest Red Flag, world's most realistic aerial exercise |url=https://theaviationist.com/2015/03/16/red-flag-15-2-goes-virtual/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref> August 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunn |first=Paul |date=2017-10-23 |title=Exercises and Deployments – Red Flag 17-4 |url=https://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2017/10/23/exercises-and-deployments-red-flag-17-4/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=Global Aviation Resource |language=}}</ref> March 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cenciotti |first=David |date=2020-03-14 |title=Awesome Shots Of B-52s Arriving At Nellis AFB For Red Flag 20-2 |url=https://theaviationist.com/2020/03/14/awesome-shots-of-b-52s-arriving-at-nellis-afb-for-red-flag-20-2/ |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}</ref> August 2021<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-18 |title=NATO AWACS provides 'eyes in the sky' during Red Flag 21-2 at Nellis |url=https://ac.nato.int/archive/2021/AWACS_in_RedFlag21-2.aspx |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=ac.nato.int |language=en}}</ref>)</small>
*{{NLD}} <small>(November 2007,<ref name="08-1"/> January 2013,<ref name="13-2"/> March 2019<ref name="19-2"/>)</small>
*{{NOR}} <small>(November 2007,<ref name="08-1"/> 2021<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f35.com/f35/news-and-features/for-the-first-time-norwegian-f35s-used-in-red-flag.html | title = For the First Time, Norwegian F-35s Used in Red Flag | website=f35.com | access-date = 2021-07-14}}</ref>)</small>
*{{PAK}} <small>(2010, 2016)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2016/07/22/pakistani-f-16cd-block-52-jes-enroute-to-green-and-red-flag-in-the-u-s-perform-stopover-at-lajes-field/|title=Pakistani F-16C/D Block 52+ jets enroute to Green and Red Flag in the U.S. perform stopover at Lajes Field|date=22 July 2016|access-date=23 July 2016}}</ref>
*{{POR}} <small>(2000)</small><ref>{{Cite web |date=2000-09-18 |title=RED FLAG 2000 |url=https://www.key.aero/forum/modern-military-aviation/6477-red-flag-2000 |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=www.key.aero |language=en}}{{Self-published source|date=April 2022}}</ref>
*{{SWE}} <small>(July 2008,<ref name="08-3"/> January 2013,<ref name="13-2">{{cite web | date=2013-03-18 |last=Åkerberg |first=Gunnar | url = https://www.flightglobal.com/analysis-sweden-hails-gripens-evolution-at-red-flag/109110.article | title = Sweden hails Gripen's evolution at Red Flag| website=flightglobal.com | access-date = 2022-04-02}}</ref> March 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blades |first=Josey |date=2022-03-17 |title=Swedish Air Bosses participate in Red Flag-Nellis 22-2, exchange information |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2969816/swedish-air-bosses-participate-in-red-flag-nellis-22-2-exchange-information/ |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Nellis Air Force Base |language=en-US}}</ref>)</small>
*{{SIN}} <small>(August 2006,<ref name="06-2"/> January 2013,<ref name="13-2"/> August 2015,<ref name="15-4"/> March 2019<ref name="19-2"/><ref name="businessinsider.com"/>)</small>
*{{KSA}} <small>(March 2019,<ref name="19-2"/><ref name="businessinsider.com"/> March 2022<ref>{{cite news |title=RSAF contingent participating in Red Flag 2022 exercise arrives at US Nellis Base |url=https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/617671/SAUDI-ARABIA/RSAF-contingent-participating-in-Red-Flag-2022-exercise-arrives-at-US-Nellis-Base |access-date=2 March 2022 |work=Saudigazette |date=2 March 2022 |language=English}}</ref>)</small>
*{{KOR}} <small>(August 2008)</small><ref name="defense.gouv.fr"/><ref name="Aug08"/>
*{{ESP}} <small>({{citation needed span|date=February 2023|1994, 2007, 2008,}} August 2016,<ref>{{cite web | date=2016-09-08 | url = https://www.defensa.gob.es/agredwas/en/novedades/2016/09/listado/20160908_RedFlag.html | title = The Spanish Air Force in the Red Flag 16-4| website=defensa.gob.es | access-date = 2021-07-14}}</ref> {{citation needed span|date=February 2023|2017, 2018,}} March 2020<ref name="20-2"/>)</small>
*{{TUR}} <small>(1997,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviationphotodigest.com/anatolian-eagle-2016/|access-date=16 October 2019|title=Anatolian Eagle 2016|date=5 August 2016}}</ref> February 2000,<ref name="00-2">{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=Brian |date=2000 |title=Red Flag Exercise, Nellis AFB, February 1-3, 2000 |url=https://www.air-and-space.com/200002%20red%20flag%20a.htm |access-date=2022-04-02 |website=Goleta Air & Space Museum |quote=The Royal Air Force and the Turkish Air Force were there.}}</ref> July 2008,<ref name="08-3"/> March 2016<ref name="16-2"/>)</small>
*{{UAE}} <small>(July 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dialogo-americas.com/en/articles/colombias-air-force-joins-red-flag-2012|title=Colombia's Air Force Joins Red Flag 2012|website=dialogo-americas.com|access-date=27 December 2017}}</ref> January 2013,<ref name="13-2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theaviationist.com/2013/03/21/uae-red-flag/|title=UAE Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jets operations at Nellis Air Force Base|website=theaviationist.com|date=21 March 2013}}</ref> 2014,<ref name="afmag"/> March 2019<ref name="19-2"/><ref name="businessinsider.com"/></small>)
*{{UK}} <small>(February 2000,<ref name="00-2"/> June 2006,<ref name="06-1"/> February 2007,<ref name="07-2"/> January 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-air-force-playing-major-role-in-worlds-premier-air-combat-exercise|title=Royal Air Force playing major role in world's premier air combat exercise – GOV.UK|website=gov.uk|access-date=27 December 2017}}</ref> February 2018,<ref name="raf18-1"/> January 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/f-35-lightnings-depart-for-exercise-red-flag-in-usa/ |title=F-35 Lightnings depart for Exercise RED FLAG in USA |publisher=Royal Air Force |website=raf.mod.uk |date=22 January 2020 |access-date=25 January 2020}}</ref> January 2022,<ref name="nellis.af.mil"/> January 2023,<ref name="23-1"/> January 2024<ref name="24-1"/>)</small>
*{{VEN}} <small>(1992)</small><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Erika |date=1992-07-14 |title=Venezuela: Air Force Participates In N.a.t.o. Maneuvers |url=https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=10687&context=notisur |access-date=2022-08-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWXjt205S7A |title=Re: 1992 – Venezuelan Red Flag – Fuerza Aérea Venezolana de 3 |date=3 November 2007 |last=antrocanal |access-date=27 December 2017 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/oWXjt205S7A |archive-date=2021-12-01 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
{{colend}}

==Incidents==
*On 5 July 1979, Major Gary Mekash and Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Soeder died in the crash of U.S. Air Force [[General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark|F-111A Aardvark]], serial number 67-0105, of the [[430th Tactical Fighter Squadron]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=60444 |title=Accident General Dynamics F-111A 67-0105, 05 Jul 1979|last=Ranter |first=Harro |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=2018-08-14}}</ref>
*On 7 February 1980, a [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) [[Blackburn Buccaneer]] S.2B, RAF Serial XV345 of [[No. 15 Squadron RAF|No. XV Squadron]] crashed after suffering a failure of the main spar, resulting in the deaths of Sqn Ldr Ken Tait and Flt Lt Charles "Rusty" Ruston. Buccaneers were grounded following the accident<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=55084|title=Accident Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XV345, 07 Feb 1980 |first=Harro|last=Ranter |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=27 December 2017}}</ref>
*On 23 March 2001, a [[German Air Force]] [[Panavia Tornado|Panavia Tornado IDS]] of [[Jagdbombergeschwader 34]] crashed {{Convert|160|km}} northwest of Nellis Air Force Base during a low-level attack at night, which was being flown as part of Red Flag. [[Major (Germany)|Major]] Bernd Lothar Koch and [[Hauptmann]] Michael Bieler, both of [[Jagdbombergeschwader 33]], were killed in the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Accident Panavia Tornado IDS 44+98, 23 Mar 2001 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=55678 |access-date=2022-04-03 |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2001-03-26 |title=Luftwaffe: Zwei Tote nach Tornado-Absturz in den USA |language=de |work=[[Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung]] |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/gesellschaft/luftwaffe-zwei-tote-nach-tornado-absturz-in-den-usa-161347.html |access-date=2022-04-03 |issn=0174-4909}}</ref><ref name="spon-crash"/>

==Notable appearances in media==
Red Flag was depicted in a 1981 made-for-TV movie, ''Red Flag: The Ultimate Game''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082978/plotsummary|title=Red Flag: The Ultimate Game (TV Movie 1981)|work=IMDb|access-date=17 October 2015}}</ref>  Red Flag is also featured in a 2004 [[IMAX]] film, ''[[Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag]]''.

==See also==

* [[Anatolian Eagle]] Exercise at [[Konya]], [[Turkey]]
* [[Red Flag – Alaska]] – Exercise-based out of [[Eielson Air Force Base]], Alaska (formerly Cope Thunder)
* [[Blue Flag (Israeli Air Force exercise)]] – Exercise in southern [[Israel]] that takes place every two years.
* [[Maple Flag]]
* [[United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program]] - "Topgun"
* [[Opposing force]]
* [[Exercise Frisian Flag]] is an annual exercise at [[Leeuwarden Air Base]], the Netherlands.

==References==
'''Footnotes'''
{{notelist}}

'''Citations'''
{{Reflist}}

'''Further reading'''
{{Refbegin}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060618144308/http://www.afa.org/magazine/nov2000/1100redflag.asp "Red Flag"] ''Air Force'' November 2000 via Archive.org
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070109004325/http://www.afa.org/magazine/jan2007/0107aggressor.pdf "The New Aggressors"] ''Air Force'' January 2007 (Broken Link) pdf file
{{Refend}}

==External links==
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{{commons category|RED FLAG Exercise}}
*[http://www.dreamlandresort.com/info/flags.html DreamlandResort.com: Red Flag Schedule]
*[http://imdb.com/title/tt0353168/ IMDb: Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag (2004)]
*[http://imdb.com/title/tt0082978/ IMDb: Red Flag: The Ultimate Game (1981)]
*[https://www.youtube.com/user/8081rt 8081rt: Red Flag and Nellis AFB videos]
*[http://www.nellisspotters.com Nellis Spotters: Nellis photos and videos]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Red Flag (Usaf)}}
[[Category:United States Air Force exercises]]
[[Category:Military in Nevada]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Nevada]]
[[Category:Recurring events established in 1975]]
[[Category:Military exercises involving France]]