Exercise Red Flag 24-2 took place at Nellis Air Force Base from March 11-24, where U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel trained alongside the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The exercise aimed to enhance collaboration with joint services and NATO countries, showcasing the capabilities of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft and advanced threat replication techniques. Air Commodore Johan van Deventer emphasized the critical role of the F-35 in high-threat areas and the importance of practicing joint operations with coalition partners like the U.S.
The evolving security landscape in Europe highlights the need for advanced aircraft and integrated tactics within the NATO alliance. By operating with a common platform and utilizing advanced communication systems, enhanced coordination and joint operations can be achieved during critical missions. The fifth-generation aircraft bring unprecedented capabilities such as enhanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network connectivity, which contribute to maintaining air superiority and deterring potential adversaries. Col. David Stamps emphasized the importance of integrating these capabilities to deter adversaries and assure allies.
Reflecting on the significance of the joint training during Red Flag 24-2, Stamps emphasized the need for actions to match words in the alliance. The exercise provided an opportunity for joint services and NATO allies to learn how to employ integrated airpower more effectively and celebrate successes together. The seamless integration of NATO partners with U.S. joint services during the exercise marked one of the most extensive fifth-generation Red Flag exercises to include NATO and joint partners.
Nellis Air Force Base was praised as the best place on Earth to simulate future combat scenarios, with the professionalism of the “Aggressors” and dedication of maintenance teams contributing to the development of integrated Blue Force tactics. The exercise highlighted the unmatched ability of the United States and its allies and partners to generate combat airpower. Overall, Red Flag 24-2 demonstrated the importance of joint training and collaboration with NATO allies in preparing for complex tactical challenges in a peacetime environment.
