‘Red Flag 24’ is an advanced training program that spans over a period of two weeks, focusing on honing the skills and tactics required in aerial combat scenarios.
“Onwards and Upwards. An IAF contingent arrived today at the Eielson AF Base of @usairforce, at Alaska, USA, to participate in the upcoming edition of the multi-national exercise Red Flag 24,” the Indian Air Force wrote in a post on X.
While on their way to Alaska, the IAF Rafale fighter jets took a transatlantic flight with staging halts at Greece and Portugal.
“Ably supported by its IL-78 air-to-air refuellers and the C-17 transport ac, the IAF Rafale fighters took a transatlantic flight with staging halts at Greece and Portugal,” the IAF said.
“Aimed to integrate aircrew in a multinational environment, Ex-Red Flag is a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise,” it added.
The Indo-US joint working group, functioning under the defense tech and trade initiative (DTTI), recently held a crucial two-day meeting in New Delhi during the first half of May. The primary objective was to strengthen defence collaboration between India and the United States.
Air marshal Ashutosh Dixit from the Indian Air Force and Brig Gen Joel W Safranek from the United States co-chaired the meeting. The discussions revolved around harnessing the unique strengths of both nations to enhance defence cooperation and co-production, as stated by the Indian Air Force.
High-ranking officials, including “Brig Gen Joel W Safranek” and “Air Vice Marshal George Thomas, assistant chief of the Air staff (plans),” engaged in discussions to formulate strategic plans aimed at strengthening bilateral defence relations.
The emphasis was on tackling challenges collaboratively through partnership and joint research efforts, aligning with the goals established by the DTTI mechanism, which was put in place in 2012.
( with input from agencies)
