In a remarkable display of airpower and tactical prowess, the Italian Air Force’s F-35s took to the skies over Alaska in “full stealth mode,” showcasing their cutting-edge capabilities in the Red Flag Alaska 24-1 exercise from April 18 to May 3, 2024.
For the first time, at least publicly, the Italian F-35s discarded radar reflectors, unleashing their low observable features across the vast Joint Pacific Range Complex.
This significant move away from radar cross-section enhancers during peacetime operations signals a new era for the Italian F-35s. Col. Vito Cracas, Commander of the Eielson Autonomous Flight Unit, underscored the importance of realistic training scenarios, asserting, “train as you fight, and fight as you train”.
He further highlighted how the exercise fostered a sharing of tactics and lessons learned, essential for maximizing the assets’ strengths in Anti Access Area Denial (A2AD) situations.
Italian aircrew were given the opportunity to train in an “almost unrestricted airspace” featuring both simulated and real threats.
This resulted in a rigorous validation of weapons capabilities and tactics, with the Italian contingent integrating seamlessly with U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps assets. Over 260 sorties and 600 flight hours were logged, a testament to the intensive and cooperative nature of the training.
Further enhancing the multinational dimension of their participation, the Italian crews also engaged in artic survival training with the 353rd Combat Training Squadron, simulating ejection over hostile territory and subsequent Combat Search & Rescue efforts.
Italy’s autonomous flight unit at Eielson A.F.B. introduced a mixed fleet including Typhoons, F-35s, a KC-767, and an E-550 CAEW, all making their debut in Alaska. This diverse array enabled coverage of a wide array of airpower capabilities.
The Typhoons honed their swing role, the F-35s their omnirole capabilities, while the KC-767 and E-550 CAEW performed their refueling and Airborne Early Warning and Battle Management and Command and Control functions, respectively.
The exercise also saw the E550A CAEW assume the role of Mission Commander during a Red Flag Alaska mission on April 26. This significant responsibility involved planning and conduct of the entire flight mission, signifying the international appreciation for the ItAF’s professional capabilities.
Red Flag Alaska 24-1 utilized the expansive Joint Pacific-Alaska Range Complex, allowing participants to execute their weapon systems with minimal restrictions over a 67,000 square-mile area. As put by U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Lloyd Wright, this advanced training aims to simulate combat in a realistic fashion, involving complex scenarios that require integration, planning, and strategic thinking.
The scale of the operations far exceeded what is possible in regular training environments, with aircrews experiencing massive mock battles that could include up to 28 aircraft against 20 adversaries.
Italy’s singular presence with aircraft, along with the Netherlands’ contribution of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, was crucial in the coalition exercise. Other participating units from the U.S. military brought specialized capabilities in multirole missions, ground attack, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, and air refueling.
This large force exercise is a pivotal component of contemporary military training, allowing aircrews to learn and adapt within an alliance framework, preparing for any future contingencies.
The emphasis on interoperability not only bolsters individual nation’s defense postures but also enhances collective security in a world of evolving threats and intricate geopolitical landscapes.
Relevant articles:
– Italian Air Force F-35s Flew In Full “Stealth Mode” During Red Flag Alaska 24-1, The Aviationist
– Red Flag 24-2: Advancing F-35 interoperability at Nellis, af.mil
– The Orbital Mechanics Podcast, The Orbital Mechanics Podcast