Joint Black Flag tests night-one capabilities, introduces RAAF E-7, first mobile C2 element

The 53rd Wing conducted Black Flag 22-1, bringing together four branches of the U.S. military and the Royal Australian Air Force in a first coalition test environment to identify enhancements to night-one capabilities, May 9-13.

As part of the Air Force's test flag enterprise, Black Flag allows the Air Force to test like we fight, developing force integration techniques and discovering capabilities utilizing existing and emerging material to deliver combat capability to the warfighter.

As one of the participants in Black Flag, the RAAF brought the E-7A Wedgetail allowing the Air Force an opportunity to look at the operational integration capabilities the E-7 has to offer. While this isn't the first time the RAAF has integrated the E-7 with the USAF, it's their first time taking part in a test exercise. The Air Force's first E-7 prototype is projected to be delivered to the fleet in FY27.

Following Black Flag, the RAAF's E-7 flew to Tyndall Air Force Base where it took part in the 53rd Wing's Weapons System Evaluation Program-East, a premier joint event that evaluates a squadron's ability to conduct air-to-air live fire missions.

U.S. Marines and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) members work together to refuel a RAAF F-35A during Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 13, 2022. — U.S. Marines and Royal Australian Air Force service members work together to refuel a RAAF F-35A Lightning II during a Forward Area Refueling Point training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., May 13, 2022. FARP training prepares U.S. and allied forces to effectively refuel aircraft in austere locations when air-to-air refueling is not possible or when fueling stations are not accessible. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

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