Where Fighter Pilots Train For War

Simply Incredible!

Red Flag is the world’s premier aerial combat exercise, designed to push pilots, crews, and aircraft to their absolute limits.

This intense, large-scale training event offers a rare inside look at how top-tier fighter pilots prepare for real-world combat scenarios.

Held at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, Red Flag spans two weeks and brings together some of the most advanced air forces in the world. It’s one of the largest exercises of its kind—both in scale and in realism.

Colonel Eric Winterbottom sums it up perfectly:
“We want to expose our youngest operators to their first 10 combat missions in the most combat-replicated environment. We have three countries involved—the U.S., the U.K., and Australia—with 120 aircraft, about 32 units, and around 2,700 personnel.”

The goal is to condition operators to the intensity and chaos of real combat so that, when the time comes, it’s not such a shock to the system. It’s about building confidence, sharpening skills, and learning to adapt under pressure.

This video captures that mission flawlessly—gripping from start to finish, and incredibly well-produced. A must-watch for aviation and military fans alike.