RAF Lossiemouth Typhoons begin Exercise Red Flag in the USA
A LARGE RAF detachment including Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth has started Exercise Red Flag in the United States this week.
The RAF have taken 300 personnel for the event being held at the Test and Training Range in Nevada.
The Typhoons will join with combat and support aircraft from the USA and the Royal Australian Air Force.
The regular event provides the RAF with unparalleled training and helps to prepare for operations against any adversary that may choose to confront the UK in the air, space and cyber domains.
During the exercise the three air forces will face simulated ground-based air defence systems, aggressor aircraft that will simulate a peer adversary, and cyber and space-based threats as combat missions are planned, conducted and debriefed.
The United States Department of Defense has prioritised the People's Republic of China as what it calls its number one pacing challenge. This helps US and Allied aviators to develop the right capabilities and plans to bolster deterrence and maintain a competitive advantage.
The training also includes activity that is intended as an effective deterrence to nation-state threats emanating from Russia, Iran and North Korea.
Wing Commander John Cockroft, the Officer Commanding 1 (F) Squadron, said: "After weeks of preparation it is very satisfying to now be flying missions on the exercise.
"Each day we are presented with increasingly demanding scenarios, but through working closely with our American and Australian allies and developing our interoperability we are able to overcome the challenges presented to us."
