Top Guns Face China in Desert War Games

Elite pilots from Britain and the United States are currently participating in Exercise Red Flag, the world's most realistic combat training event, held over the Nevada desert. This two-week exercise simulates deadly conflict scenarios, pushing advanced military technology to its limits. Elite aircrews are experiencing the pressures of combat, preparing for potential future engagements amid China's increasing ambition to dominate air, space, and cyber warfare domains.

The exercise involves a seamless integration of British Voyager tankers and Typhoons with US F35b stealth fighters. Photography of the fifth-generation jets was restricted, but observers witnessed the rigorous training. This is not a drill but a live simulated battle against adversaries, with "Blue Team" allies battling "Red Team" foes in missions like taking out enemy radar stations. The "Blue Team" emerged victorious during the observation period.

This year's Red Flag incorporates not only air-to-air combat but also battles in cyberspace and actual space, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare. The inclusion of US F35bs to represent adversaries highlights the sophistication of current threats. With China rapidly increasing its production of advanced stealth fighter jets and eyeing a moon station, such exercises are deemed vital for training against top-tier adversaries. The aggressors are designed to be the smartest and most up-to-date on threat tactics, providing pilots with the most realistic training short of actual warfare.