The 65th Aggressor Squadron reactivated June 9 with a directed mission to know, teach and replicate fifth-generation air adversaries at Nellis Air Force Base.
Air Combat Command commander Gen. Mark Kelly flew his F-15E Strike Eagle against the unit's first assigned F-35A Lightning II and newest commander, Lt. Col. Brandon Nauta, immediately prior to the ceremony.
"Due to the growing threat posed by PRC [People's Republic of China] fifth and sixth-gen fighter development, we must use a portion of our daily fifth-generation aircraft today at Langley, Elmendorf, Hill, Eielson, and now Nellis, to replicate adversary fifth-generation capabilities," Kelly said. "Precisely because we have this credible threat, when we do replicate a fifth-gen. adversary, it has to be done professionally. That's the Aggressors."
In 2019, the then-Air Combat Command commander and secretary of the Air Force approved the activation to improve training for fifth-generation fighter tactics development, advanced large force training and operational test support. The decision underwent compliance with the National Environmental and Policy Act and other regulatory and planning processes.
The 65th AGRS was previously active at Nellis AFB from 2005 — 2014. During that time, the unit replicated tactics and techniques of potential adversaries with a fleet of F-15 Eagles. When they inactivated, the 64th AGRS continued the aggressor mission with F-16 Fighting Falcons.
"This significant milestone marks our ability to bring fifth-generation capabilities to the high-end fight, and will allow us to enhance our premier tactics and training with joint, allied and coalition forces," said Brig. Gen. Michael Drowley, 57th Wing commander.
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