One of Pacific Air Forces’ premier combat training events recently kicked off at Eielson AFB, Alaska, with dozens of aircraft scheduled to take part in two weeks of realistic air and air-to-ground combat training as part of Red Flag Alaska 15-3. Red Flag-Alaska 15-3 includes aircraft and airmen from South Korea and Japan, along with Navy EA-18G Growlers from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. Air Force participants include Aggressor F-16s from Eielson, along with A-10s and F-16s deployed from Osan AB, South Korea; F-16s from the Minnesota Air National Guard and KC-135s from McConnell AFB, Kansas, according to Eielson officials. The exercise focuses on “red air” training with partner and allied nations in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, along with air support training. This iteration will feature paratroopers from JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and one scenario will see some 600 paratroopers jump into a drop zone during RF-A, simulate an airfield seizure, and prepare the field to receive incoming mobility and combat assets. More than 1,000 personnel and up to 60 aircraft typically participate in the training, according to Eielson officials. The exercise concludes on Aug. 21.
To Replace Lost MQ-9s, USAF Eyes Next-Gen Reaper
May 13, 2026
The Air Force is looking at ways to rapidly replace some of the roughly two dozen MQ-9A Reaper drones it has lost as part of operations against Iran, top service officials told lawmakers May 12.