BLUE FLAG 2021
Since 2013, the multinational exercise Blue Flag is held in Israel every two years. This year's exercise (BF21) was held from 17 to 28 October 2021. Blue Flag is one of Israel's largest and most advanced aerial exercises.
The exercise is considered as one of the main pillars on which the Heyl Ha'Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force) relies in facing the threats surrounding it to devise different tactics. The aim of BF21 was to strengthen international cooperation through the integrated co-training of 4th and 5th generation aircraft in complex operational scenarios, day and night, with emphasis on enhancing the combat capability of the participating air forces.
The area of exercise over the Negev desert extended from Ovda air base to the southern border of the country. The area is extremely suitable for combat aircraft to fly at low altitudes with supersonic speeds day and night.
The scenario of the exercise included blue and red forces, where the blue forces were represented by the IAF and foreign aircraft participating against the red forces represented by the IAF's 115th Aggressor Squadron and air defence batteries. The red forces were supported by F-16I Sufa fighter aircraft and rumours also mentioned the support of F-35I Adirs, but that has not been confirmed.
The various missions consisted of air-to-air (A2A) and air-to-ground (A2G) missions. Anti-aircraft and air-to-air missile threats, and air-to-ground missile simulation scenarios were carried out, with the last three days of the exercise focusing on the scenario, in which logistics affecting the squadrons were also examined.
The great variety in participating foreign fighters with their differences in electronic equipment, armament and combat tactics added a great experience to all participants as they train to integrate with short preparation time for entering future battles in joint formations.
BF21 saw several historic firsts like the participation of Indian Air Force fighters (Mirage 2000), the first Royal Air Force (RAF) fighters (Typhoon FGR4) since the establishment of the country in 1948 and the first Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (AAE, French Air Force) Rafale fighters.
Blue Flag 2021 participants were:
Not mentioned in the official overviews was the participation of F-16AM Fighting Falcons from the (RJAF, Royal Jordanian Air Force) operating from their home base.