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)