F-15C Eagles will form the “enemy” force of the 65th Aggressor Squadron, which USAF plans to reinvigorate Jan. 12 at Nellis AFB, Nev., after a 17-year absence. The Air Force is stepping up its “enemy” fleet to “provide realistic adversary training,” said Gen. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, in a letter to the field. Previously the 65th flew F-5E fighters. The other adversary unit, the 64th Aggressor Squadron flies F-16s. USAF plans to start up the 65th with nine F-15s, adding another 15 as the aircraft become available—primarily from Air National Guard units that are losing their aircraft under BRAC 2005.
The Air Force wants more companies able to produce its new, multi-use, anti-radar missile that one expert says will prove vital in any future peer conflict and would be in high demand for the war in Iran if stocks were available now.