Seven nations commit to Israel's Blue Flag exercise (Inc. India)

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“Blue-Flag” 2017 Is UnderwayRelease date02.11.2017
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“Blue-Flag” 2017, the largest international aerial training exercise in the IAF’s history, began today upon the arrival of aircraft from seven different air forces to Ouvda AFB
Eitam Almadon & Illy Pe’ery
“Blue-Flag” 2017, the largest international aerial training exercise in Israel’s history, began today upon the arrival of aircraft from seven different air forces to Ouvda AFB. Throughout the combined training exercise, held this year for the third time, the visiting squadrons will fly alongside Israeli squadrons.

The goal of the “Blue-Flag” training exercise is to simulate extreme combat scenarios and coalition flights as realistically as possible. The exercise will host air forces from the United States of America, Poland, Italy and Greece – and for the first time India, France and Germany will participate as well.

"Blue-Flag" 2015 | Archive Photo

Throughout the first week of the two week-long exercise, the international aircrews will acclimate themselves to the base and get to know each other. Throughout the second week, the participants will rehearse complex scenarios and coalition flights. During some of the sorties, the participants will fly against the “Flying Dragon” Squadron, the IAF’s aggressor squadron, which will simulate enemy forces via “enemy” aircraft, SAM (Surface-to-air missile) batteries and MANPADS (Man-portable air-defense systems).

“The ‘Blue-Flag’ exercise is a significant quantum leap in our ability to hold an exercise and provide our multi-national participants with a quality training experience as performed in Israel”, shared Lt. Col. Nadav, Commander of the 133rd Squadron ("Knights of the Twin Tail"), which operates “Baz” (F-15) fighter jets and is leading the exercise. “This is a significant milestone in our relationship with the international air forces, some of which are arriving in Israel to train for the first time. This exercise will allow us to continue cooperating with these forces in the future as well”.

"Blue-Flag" 2015 | Archive Photo

Aerial Diplomacy
Participating on behalf of Israel are a "Baz" (F-15) squadron, a "Sufa" (F-16I) squadron and two "Barak" (F-16C/D) squadrons, alongside tactical transport aircraft, helicopters, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and EL (Electronic Warfare). The US, Hellenic and Polish air forces arrived with F-16 fighters; the French with “Mirage” 2000D fighters; the Germans with “Eurofighter Typhoon" jets; the Italians with variants of the "Panavia Tornado" multirole fighter and the Indians with a C-130J "Super Hercules".

Besides the tactical advantage gained by training with hundreds of international aircrew members, aircraft and weapon systems, the IAF will also gain a strategic advantage. "The IAF has two main goals in the exercise: the first is to improve the operational readiness of all air forces involved via a quality mutual training experience, while creating a fertile ground for mutual learning. The second is to show the world that the IAF is an advanced, strong and leading force and improve Israel's international status as a result. We see each participant as an ambassador", elaborated Lt. Col. Guy, Head of the Training Branch in the IAF Air Division.

According to Maj. (Res') Tal, Head of the “Blue-Flag” Management Team: "One of the more significant ways to improve international relationships and connect countries is to create military cooperation. The IAF is Israel's 'display window', and the direct encounter between the air forces is an inseparable part of forming strong, continuous relationships with other countries, near or far".

"Blue-Flag" 2015 | Archive Photo

http://iaf.org.il/4466-49688-en/IAF.aspx

 

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Israel launches Blue Flag exercise

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• 06 NOVEMBER, 2017
  
• SOURCE: FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM
  
• BY: ARIE EGOZI
  
• TEL AVIV

Israel's Blue Flag exercise began on 2 November, with the activity attracting a record number of participating air forces.

During the two-week exercise, 70 aircraft will train in collaboration with the Israeli air force's Lockheed Martin F-16C-equipped "Red squadron" aggressor unit, based at Uvda air base. The previous Blue Flag-series event, staged in 2015, attracted four foreign nations.

This time France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Poland and the USA are so far confirmed as participating.

Israeli assets involved in the activity include F-16s and Boeing F-15 units, plus tactical transports, electronic warfare aircraft, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles. The Greek, Polish and US air forces have assigned F-16s; France Dassault Mirage 2000Ds and Rafales; Germany Eurofighter Typhoons; and Italy Panavia Tornados. India has also deployed Lockheed C-130J transports.

"We are preparing a long list of scenarios based on the Israeli air force's combat experience," Uvda air base's commander – who can be identified only as Col I – said ahead of the event starting. Training will include the simulated threat posed by advanced surface-to-air missiles.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-launches-blue-flag-exercise-442906/

 

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Aerial Defense at the "Blue-Flag"Release date13.11.2017
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"Blue-Flag" 2017 marks the first time that the Aerial Defense Division will participate in the exercise. The southern battalion, which operates the "Patriot" aerial defense system, will simulate Ground-Air threats against aircrews from eight countries
Carmel Lahad
"Blue-Flag" 2017 is the largest aerial training exercise in the IAF’s history, with eight participating countries. The Aerial Defense Division is participating in the exercise for the first time this year, operating the “Patriot” aerial defense system which intercepts hostile aircraft. "For the first time, ‘Yahalom’ (‘Patriot’) batteries and operators will train with international forces, while attempting to ‘intercept’ them in order to train both sides", explained Lt. Col. Raz Nahum, Commander of the Southern “Patriot” Battalion. "What's unique about this exercise is how representatives from several countries are seated in one room, exchanging professional and operational impressions related to sky defense".

Archive Photo

“The aircrew members learn our position, our limitations and our capabilities, while we learn their flight routes and maneuvers. Each country brings its own knowledge and SAM (Surface-to-Air Missiles) evasion techniques, which adds to the challenge, as we're used to the IAF and its combat doctrine", shared Lt. Col. Nahum. "The biggest challenge is pinpointing the perfect time for launching a missile towards the target we're fighting against. We calibrate our systems so that we can discover the targets on time and intercept them successfully; all while the aircraft in the air employ countermeasures”.

Archive Photo

A Battle of Wits
In previous exercises, SAM batteries were simulated – this time, “Patriot” battalion operators were the ones facing the aircrew members. "In the IAF, we are responsible for addressing aerial threats, from small reconnaissance UAVs to fighter jets", said Capt. Ilay Igra, commander of the participating battery. "This exercise is our chance to examine how we face various combat doctrines and countermeasures such as electronic warfare system”.

"During each sortie, the participants know that besides the danger of another fighter jet intercepting them, they will also have to evade the ‘Patriot’ system's radar", emphasized Lt. Col. Nahum. "It's a battle of wits between the aircrews in the air and the ‘Patriot’ operators".

Archive Photo

A Bright Future
Once every two years, the IAF Aerial Defense Division performs the “Juniper Cobra” combined training exercise with the U.S with the goal of improving synchronization and performance in missile defense missions. The "Patriot" battalion's participation in the "Blue-Flag" exercise signifies international cooperation in additional facets of aerial defense. "This is an exciting event for the battalion and the division alike. We hope that international ‘Patriot’ batteries will participate in the next ‘Blue-Flag’ exercise and expand the mutual fertilization".

http://www.iaf.org.il/4466-49738-en/IAF.aspx

Israeli-Indian Aerial Special Forces ExerciseRelease date13.11.2017
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The Indian and Israeli Air Forces took a significant step forward in their cooperation when the Indian Air Force arrived in Israel for the "Blue-Flag" 2017 training exercise. This is the first time the Indian Air Force participated in an aerial exercise in Israel
Eitam Almadon & Carmel Stern
2017 marks the first time that the Indian Air Force participated in the "Blue-Flag" training exercise, which began last week in Ovda AFB. The Indian delegation landed a week and a half ago in Nevatim AFB with a C-130J "Super Hercules" tactical transport aircraft carrying 50 "Garud" Commando Force (the Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force) operators and aircrew members. The cooperation's focal point will be an aerial special forces training exercise held at Tel-Nof, Palmahim and Nevatim AFBs alongside the Israeli 103rd Squadron (“The Elephants”), which operates the "Shimshon" (C-130J) aircraft and SAR Unit 669.

Photography: Celia Garion

"Flying in the 'Blue-Flag' isn't like a regular training flight. The rules of the game change in an exercise as large as this one and the aerial playground is designed so that the scenarios are as effective for the participants as possible", explained Capt. Itamar, the exercise leader from the "Elephants" squadron.

Extensive Training
The air forces' cooperative training exercise will include both ground and aerial missions such as urban warfare, navigation and downed pilot search & rescue. At the end of each week, the commandos will perform a conclusive training session including various scenarios such as raids on tactical facilities, extraction, airborne transportation via “Yanshuf” (Black Hawk) helicopters and mutual formation flight. "This is the first time that the Indian Air Force is participating in the 'Blue-Flag' training exercise, so this cooperative interaction is of major importance", said Capt. Itamar. "This is a very large-scale exercise, larger than we've ever experienced. We are rehearsing scenarios that we don't get to rehearse every day as they are complex and involve aerial threats. An exercise of this scope and quality requires extensive preparation, infrastructure and planning".

Photography: Celia Garion

The "Garud" Commando Force is a Special Forces unit in the Indian Air Force responsible for close support, combat search & rescue and downed pilot search & rescue, among others. "In the exercise, we are placing an emphasis on teamwork and the ability to cooperate with infantry forces on the ground, as well as strengthening the cooperation between the combatants and aircrew members in order to minimize the helicopters' time on the ground", said Capt. Tal, a SAR Unit 669 operator and the unit’s exercise leader. "One of the main challenges we faced while planning the exercise was the attempt to adapt its content to both forces. The Indian unit is different from SAR Unit 669, but there are many similarities".

Photography: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

"During the first week, we performed an acquaintance sortie across the country in which we flew from the north to the south in order to familiarize ourselves with our training ground. Later on, we will perform similar sorties in a more tactical fashion, including field landings and night flights. Afterwards, we will fly in a formation with an IAF ‘Shimshon’ and an Indian C-130J", noted Capt. Itamar. During the second week, the aircrews will take part in the "Blue-Flag" exercise's aerial combat scenarios.

Looking Ahead
Both air forces see a mutual future: Israeli crews are due to fly to India in two "Shimshon" aircraft for a two-week deployment. They will fly with their Indian counterparts in a topography completely different to the one in Israel.

Photography: Celia Garion

"It's amazing to see how people from the other side of the planet, who live a different lifestyle and speak a different language, are actually very similar to us", concluded Capt. Itamar. "Flying in identical aircraft showed us how similar our missions and challenges are and we definitely have a mutual language. The Indians are warm, open people – we've become friends".

http://www.iaf.org.il/4466-49737-en/IAF.aspx

 

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F-16s and Patriot missiles: Summing up Blue Flag
Watch: Largest joint international air force training exercise in Israel's history held in southern Israel.

Contact Editor
Gary Willig and Yissachar Ruas, 09/11/17 17:04
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After a week of of intensive training, the 'Blue Flag' joint air force exercise bringing together units from across the globe ended this afternoon (Thursday).

The exercise, which was centered at the Ovda airbase in southern Israel, was the largest ever in the Jewish state’s history, including some 70 foreign aircraft from around the world, hundreds of pilots and air support team members.

Participants in Blue Flag include the United States, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Germany, and India, which joined Blue Flag for the first time ever.

Israeli planners and their counterparts in the participating air forces began planning Blue Flag more than a year ago, preparing for exercises including evading advanced surface-to-air missiles and air-to-air maneuvers.

More than 1,000 air crews from around the world participated in the historic exercise. Each participating nation brought aviation technology and tools unique to that nation.

The IDF explained that the purpose of the exercise was to simulate extreme combat scenarios and to fly in the "coalition." The combat scenarios included different offensive and defensive scenarios as well as different types and formations of enemy fighter squadrons.

The various sorties in the exercise were composed of a "Red" squadron and a "Blue" squadron, with many different classes and models aircraft, from all the countries that flew together. Red Squadron 115, which is responsible for the training of all squadrons in the Corps, acted as the enemy force and posed a strategic challenge similar to the real threats in the field.

During the missions, fighter planes and transport aircraft faced off against the challenges posed by Red Squadron, including unmanned aerial vehicles, a Patriot battery which mimicked the threat surface-to-air missiles, and the squadron's F-16 fighter jets. The exercise required the aircraft of the Blue Squadron to work together despite the difference in doctrine and technology of their respective militaries.

The various teams were mobilized to work together against an enemy force, and were graded according to their performance. The force that suffered the fewest hits from enemy fire was declared the victor of each engagement. In addition, the teams practiced targeted attacks deep in enemy territory and training involving intensive flight. At each stage of the exercise, the level of difficulty of the missions increased.

In addition, this week, the commander of the British Air Force, General Sir Stephen Hillier, visited Israel for the first time in 20 years. The commander of the British Air Force toured the Air Force bases and participated in a simulator training exercise at the Center for Mission Training.

The IDF noted that this visit marks an increase in the scope and level of cooperation between the Israeli Air Force and the British Air Force.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/237874

 

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"Blue-Flag" 2017 Has EndedRelease date16.11.2017

1,200 participants from eight countries, 80 aircraft and about 800 sorties: "Blue-Flag" 2017, the largest aerial exercise in Israel's history, has come to a close
Eitam Almadon & Illy Pe'ery
The largest international aerial training exercise in the IAF’s history has come to an end. 1,200 participants, including aircrew members, maintenance, administration and support personnel and about 80 fighter jets from all over the world participated in the two-week long “Blue-Flag” 2017 exercise. The exercise’s goal is to simulate extreme combat scenarios and coalition flights as realistically as possible. Eight countries participated in this year’s exercise, the third overall - Israel, the United States, Poland, Italy and Greece, and for the first time, Germany, France and India.

“We learn from international air forces and the experience they have gained from aerial activity around the world – this is how we improve our combat doctrine over the years”, stated Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin, IAF Commander. “If we want to influence the reality we see in a decade, we must prepare together, create common solutions and establish an international plan”.

Photography: Adi Abu

The Israeli participants included a “Baz” (F-15) squadron, a “Sufa” (F-16I) squadron and two “Barak” (F-16C/D) squadrons alongside heavy transport squadrons, helicopters, RPAVs (Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles) and electronic warfare. The US, Hellenic and Polish Air Forces arrived with variants of F-16 jets, the French Air Force with “Mirage 2000” jets, the German Air Force with “Eurofighter Typhoon” jets, the Italian Air Force with two variants of the “Panavia Tornado” and the Indian Air Force with a C-130J Super Hercules Transport Aircraft.

“The situation in the region is very unstable, and the arrival of seven countries who say that they believe in the State of Israel, the IDF and IAF, is a significant statement”, said Brig. Gen Amnon Ein-Dar, Head of Training & Doctrine Division.

Photography: Koral Dvir

While the fighter aircraft trained in Ovda AFB, Indian aircrew members and commandos participated in an Aerial Special Forces exercise in cooperation with the 103rd Squadron (“Elephants”) from Nevatim AFB and SAR Unit 669. The exercise was viewed by observers from countries nominated to participate in the "Blue-Flag" 2019 exercise. "Every division has international exercises, but the 'Blue-Flag' connects them all. This exercise is the climax of the IAF's international program", noted Brig. Gen. Ein-Dar.

“The ‘Blue-Flag’ exercise is a central event in the IAF, as part of which we operate and train a vast aerial force for two consecutive weeks”, stated Col. Itamar, Ovda AFB Commander. “The ability to host seven air forces, train and debrief together, cooperate, reflects our international status and national resilience. In the world we live in today, a state must have the ability to create coalitions and we want to learn from other air forces, strengthen our deterrence capability and exhibit the IAF to our participants”.

Photography: Celia Garion

Attacking Together, Defending Together
The “Blue-Flag” training exercise simulated a continuous combat scenario, with 100 sorties flown each day, adding up to about 1,000 flights overall. Every day different targets were destroyed and, every action, success or failure affected the rest of the exercise. Throughout the exercise, the participants performed border protection, air-air battles and two-sided "Blue vs. Blue" sorties, in which the participating aircraft are divided into attackers and defenders and fight each other.

Photography: Celia Garion

Hard Work
The IAF has hosted the "Blue-Flag" exercise twice before: once in 2013, when four different air forces were hosted in Ovda AFB, and the second time in 2015, in which five countries arrived.
The 133rd squadron, the exercise’s leading squadron, dictated the content of the “Blue-Flag” 2017 exercise. “We began working on the exercise a year ago; it is a massive exercise, of an extent that has never occurred here before. As the leading squadron, we’re responsible for the aerial aspect of the training – what the participants rehearse, which scenarios and missions they perform and what their rules are”, added Lt. Col. Nadav, Commander of the 133rd Squadron.

Photography: Celia Garion

Aerial Ambassadors
Some of the exercise's main goals include improving operational capability, mutual learning and setting the infrastructure for the upcoming "Blue-Flag" exercises. Besides the tactical benefit the IAF gains from training with hundreds of international aircrew members, aircraft and weapons, there is also a strategic benefit.

"The 'Blue-Flag' helps position the IAF's status. We see each participant as an ambassador", elaborated Lt. Col. Guy, Head of the Training Branch in the IAF Air Division. Lt. Col. (Res’) Tal, Head of the “Blue-Flag” Management Team added: "The IAF is Israel's 'display window' and the direct encounter between the air forces is an inseparable part of forming strong, continuous relationships with other countries, near or far".

Photography: Celia Garion

Around the World
The exercise has become a focal point of international interest, and the cooperation with the participating air forces has improved significantly “We’re very grateful for the opportunity to train with so many countries at once as we usually train with one country at a time. There's no way better way to learn how to do something than to have different perspectives”, shared Lt. Col. Benjamin S. Freeborn, Commander of the United States Air Force’s 510th Fighter Squadron (“Buzzards”), Aviano Air Base, Italy. “Because we generally don’t fight alone in the USAF, we focus on interoperability, meaning the ability to understand each other and work towards the same objective. It’s very important for us to arrive at an unfamiliar place and learn how to support each other”.

"The differences between flying in Israel and flying in Italy is the operational environment", said Lt. Col. G' from the Italian Air Force. "In Israel, we practice low-altitude flight against a variety of threats and scenarios which are very complex to perform in Italy. The fact that this year's 'Blue-Flag' has a large amount of countries enables us to share more information, learn more and improve our capabilities. The Italian Air Force has already trained a number of times in Israel, and the current exercise continues to strengthen our relationships".

Photography: Celia Garion

Greece also participated in the exercise, arriving with F-16 fighter jets from the 335th "Tigers" Squadron, the Hellenic Air Force's oldest squadron. The Greek pilots learned that their participation in the exercise also has a historic meaning: the squadron was established in Israel 78 years ago, in Ekron AFB (now known as Tel-Nof) as a part of the British RAF. At the end of the exercise, the HAF pilots will visit the home of the squadron's original commander, who is 97 years and old and the oldest living Greek fighter pilot. As they celebrate, they will tell him of their experiences in Israel. "We feel honored to be here again, flying over Tel-Nof AFB escorted by Israeli F-15s. We can go back home and tell him about our experience", said Capt. Vassilios Kalogridis, an aircrew member from the squadron.

http://www.iaf.org.il/4466-49742-en/IAF.aspx

 

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