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The F-35A Lightning II training syllabus encompasses several training components over eight months. As part of the program, student pilots must complete air-to-air combat training against aircraft simulating adversary air, commonly referred to as ADAIR or Red Air.
Typically, enemy aircraft are simulated by F-35A instructor pilots alongside F-1 Mirages out of Tyndall Air Force Base. From May 3-14, visiting F-15C Eagles from Kingsley Field, Oregon, took on the role of “Red Air”.
“The 173rd Fighter Wing hosts the F-15C b-course at Kingsley Field, so they essentially have the same mission we have here,” said Capt. Alexander Cox, 58th Fighter Squadron flight commander and instructor pilot. “They were able to send some of their instructor pilots here to participate in sorties going on for the last few weeks.”