Since 1975, Red Flag has provided U.S. military services and coalition forces the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a realistic training environment. Most importantly, Red Flag tests their readiness capabilities.  

Red Flag’s first iteration in 2023 took place from January 23 to February 10. The exercise involved simulated ground-based air defense systems, aggressor aircraft simulating peer adversaries, and cyber and space-based threats as combat missions are planned, executed, and debriefed. The theme for Red Flag 23-1 was the Indo-Pacific Theater of operations. 

Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, welcomed close to 3,000 participants from each branch of the U.S. military, and from the U.K. Royal Air and Australian Air Forces. The 355th Wing from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, was the lead wing over the participating aircraft, including the F-35, F-22, B-52 and the Australian E-7 Wedgetail. Roughly 100 aircraft participated over the Nevada Test and Training Range — which includes operational airspace nearly the size of Switzerland. 

As it is known during Red Flag, Aggressor or “Red Air” training provides realistic threats to the friendly forces by simulating enemy tactics and profiles. F-35s have joined the aggressor squadron to provide the latest fifth-generation threat to the allied forces.