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The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed multiple aircraft to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada to engage in multinational combat training exercises.
Six F-35A Lightning II and an E-7A Wedgetail were deployed to the desert state along with over 200 aviators to support Exercise Red Flag Nellis and Exercise Bamboo Eagle with the United States and United Kingdom.
“The RAAF’s F-35A Lightning remains at the cutting edge of air combat technology as a highly advanced, multi-role, supersonic stealth fighter, and our E-7A Wedgetail is one of the world’s premier airborne battle management platforms,” said Wing Commander Matthew Deveson who is leading Australia’s contingent in the exercises.
“These exercises provide a highly realistic training environment where we can integrate different capabilities and strengthen our ability to operate with key allies and partners.
“Each nation brings unique capabilities and experience, with no single aircraft or unit able to accomplish all the mission objectives on its own.”
Exercise Red Flag Nellis has been operational since 1975 and seeks to increase the intensity of regular air operations to adequately reflect a combat experience. Exercise Bamboo Eagle was only introduced in 2024 and has quickly expanded to incorporate long-range missions across land and maritime environments throughout the US.
Australia’s participation in these exercises demonstrate a long-term commitment to regional and multilateral stability in the defensive sphere, being a part of Exercise Red Flag Nellis since 1980.
“These exercises involve large force employment missions with a high number of multinational aircraft in the air at the same time,” WGCDR Deveson said.
“These exercises ensure we remain ready to operate seamlessly with two of our most important strategic partners, now and into the future.”
