The Air Force would like the Indian Air Force to participate regularly in Red Flag multinational air combat training exercises, according to an English-language South Asian online news service. The Sindh Today newspaper reported Aug. 22 that USAF has invited the Indians to be a regular presence at Red Flag after being impressed by the prowess of IAF pilots who took part in the two-week Red Flag that concludes today at Nellis AFB, Nev. The IAF sent eight Su-30MKI multirole fighters and a support package to the exercise, marking its first participation. “IAF is a world class air force with great aircraft and great leadership,” said Capt Marcus Wilson, one of Nellis’ team chiefs for the exercise, according to the news service. “It is a great training opportunity for USAF and IAF to integrate our assets in training environment.”
The U.S. has approved a $310.5 million Foreign Military Sale to provide Ukraine with maintenance and training for its F-16 fighter jets, the State Department announced May 2. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force has been sending retired F-16s to Ukraine to be used for spare parts.