RED FLAG: 1980s
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the USAF rebuilt and modernized the way it trained for air to air combat, trying to internalize the lessons of the Vietnam War. One of the many things was changed was the introduction of dissimilar air combat training (DACT). This concept had American jets practice fighting against aircraft like the F-5, which was nimble enough to represent the capabilities of the smaller and more agile Soviet fighters of the era. At Nellis AFB in Nevada, both the 64th and 65th Aggressor Squadrons carried out this mission in support of RED FLAG exercises and USAF Weapon School classes. Unbeknownst to the public, the USAF was also flying a unit of clandestinely acquired Soviet fighters known as the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron. For over a decade, these two types of aircraft were critical in training thousands of American and allied fighter pilots over the skies of the Nevada Test and Training Range. Although neither are in service anymore, the USAF still operates F-16s and even some F-35s in the Aggressor roles, supporting RED FLAG exercises in Nevada and Alaska.
RED FLAG: 1980s
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the USAF rebuilt and modernized the way it trained for air to air combat, trying to internalize the lessons of the Vietnam War. One of the many things was changed was the introduction of dissimilar air combat training (DACT). This concept had American jets practice fighting against aircraft like the F-5, which was nimble enough to represent the capabilities of the smaller and more agile Soviet fighters of the era. At Nellis AFB in Nevada, both the 64th and 65th Aggressor Squadrons carried out this mission in support of RED FLAG exercises and USAF Weapon School classes. Unbeknownst to the public, the USAF was also flying a unit of clandestinely acquired Soviet fighters known as the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron. For over a decade, these two types of aircraft were critical in training thousands of American and allied fighter pilots over the skies of the Nevada Test and Training Range. Although neither are in service anymore, the USAF still operates F-16s and even some F-35s in the Aggressor roles, supporting RED FLAG exercises in Nevada and Alaska.