Türkiye participates in Red Flag-2025 air combat exercise after nine-year hiatus
Turkish Air Force F-16s landing to participate Red Flag-2025 exercies in US on Mar 4, 2025 (Photo via X / @CCFOC1)
The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) has joined the Red Flag-2025 multinational air combat exercise in the United States with five F-16 fighter jets and 73 personnel, marking its return to the high-intensity drill after a nine-year absence.
15 country, 150 aircraft to participate Red Flag-2025
Organized by the U.S. Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, Red Flag-2025 is one of the world’s largest and most advanced aerial combat exercises, bringing together 15 countries and 150 warplanes from March 10 to 21.
The exercise is considered one of the world’s toughest air combat training environments, to hone their war-fighting skills.
This year’s exercise involves approximately 3,000 personnel and up to 150 aircraft over 15 different locations, conducting large force employment missions in a range of scenarios.
Turkish Air Force deploys 132nd ‘Hancer’ Squadron
Türkiye’s 132nd Hancer (Dagger) Squadron arrived at Nellis Air Force Base on March 4, 2025, after completing deployment operations.
Turkish pilots and aircraft are flying as part of the “Blue Forces,” participating in complex, realistic combat scenarios designed to improve coordination and operational capabilities.
This is Türkiye’s eighth time joining Red Flag, with its last participation in 2016. The country first attended the exercise in 1997.
ASELPOD deployed for the first time
For the first time, Türkiye’s F-16s are equipped with Aselsan’s ASELPOD targeting system, enhancing precision-strike capabilities.
The ASELPOD system, developed by Türkiye’s defense industry, features advanced thermal and day cameras, enabling high-resolution imaging and target identification in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Aselsan is also working on an upgraded version, ASELPOD-2, as part of its ongoing development program.
Red Flag-2025: A global military exercise
Red Flag exercises are held three to six times annually in Nevada and Alaska, with the Nevada drills being the most comprehensive. Red Flag-2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the exercise.
This year’s exercise includes participation from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, alongside Türkiye, and features a diverse lineup of aircraft, including the F-35, F-22, B-1B, and F-15SA.
Turkish pilots are conducting joint missions with these advanced fighter jets, providing valuable experience in multinational operations.
