Team Blitz India
THE Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed its Rafale fighter jets to Alaska, USA, to participate in the ‘Red Flag Alaska’ exercise, a 16-day multi-nation military drill designed to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment. The exercise runs from May 30 to June 14.
The deployment of the IAF’s Rafale fighters was supported by IL-78 airto-air refuellers and C-17 transport aircraft, making a transatlantic flight with staging halts in Greece and Portugal. This logistical effort underscores the IAF’s operational reach and capability.
The Pacific Air Forces revealed that the exercise is set to welcome roughly 3,100 service members from different nations. These participants will encompass roles involved in flying, maintaining, and offering support for a fleet of over 100 aircraft. The IAF announced their arrival at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska via a post on X:
“An #IAF contingent arrived today at the Eielson AF Base of @usairforce, at Alaska, USA, to participate in the upcoming edition of the multinational exercise Red Flag 24.” Red Flag-Alaska is tailored to provide authentic training within a simulated combat context, allowing joint forces to share and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. The exercise further emphasises the improvement of interoperability among participating service members.