More than 80 US, partner, and coalition aircraft began 2008’s first Red Flag air combat exercise on Jan. 12 at Nellis AFB, Nev., and will continue with the realistic training activities through Jan. 26. Participating aircraft include F-22A Raptors (acting as the Blue force), F-16s (in the role of the aggressor force), B-1B bombers, Navy EA-6B Prowlers, Singaporean Air Force F-16s out of Luke AFB, Ariz., a Canadian C-130, and a Royal Air Force E-3D AWACS. The next Red Flag is scheduled for Feb. 4 to Feb. 15.
A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East are flying with fresh modifications as the Air Force looks to make the plane more versatile amid America’s ongoing blockade of Iranian ports and a tenuous ceasefire in the U.S. air war against Iran.