The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is taking part in the Red Flag-Nellis 25-2, taking place in the Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, US, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defense.
The Red Flag 25-2 Exercise aims to enhance the level of combat readiness and efficiency, in addition to coordinating efforts to achieve operational compatibility for joint operations.
The Royal Saudi Air Force participates in Red Flag 25-2 Exercise with a Typhoon aircraft system, including its entire air, technical, and support personnel. The RSAF will execute defensive and offensive counter air operations, close air support, and combat search and rescue operations.
Running from March 10-21, 2025, the Red Flag 25-2 Exercise sees the participation of 1,500 participants from 15 units representing the US Air Force and Marine Corps, as well as the Royal Saudi Air Force, the UAE Air Force and the Turkish Air Force.
The Red Flag 25-2 Exercise provides participants with a significant opportunity to plan and execute air operations in realistic, contested environment by engaging participants in complex mission scenarios against formidable aggressor forces. This enables participants to enhance their skills and tactics for real-world application.
وستُنفذ #القوات_الجوية ونظيراتها من الدول الشقيقة والصديقة المشاركة في التمرين عمليات جوية مضادة دفاعية وهجومية، وعمليات الإسناد الجوي القريب، بالإضافة إلى عمليات البحث والإنقاذ القتالي.#فيديو_الدفاع pic.twitter.com/p1tZ5GEaa0
— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 16, 2025
In the light of this, the 414th Combat Training Squadron commander, Col. Eric Winterbottom, said: “By conducting realistic training scenarios in a controlled environment, Red Flag enables aircrews to hone their skills, which is crucial given that studies have shown the first ten combat missions pose the highest risks.”
Winterbottom stressed the importance of the exercises in strengthening cooperation and partnerships between partner air forces. “Red Flag-Nellis 25-2 exemplifies how international collaboration transforms our air combat capabilities, as diverse units come together to enhance operational readiness and foster long-term relationships,” he said.
