RFA 25-2: US, allied forces advance joint training, strengthen readiness

Published July 2, 2025
By Staff Sgt. Daniel Brosam
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) --

Red Flag-Alaska 25-2, a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise, concluded June 27 after two weeks of multinational flight operations over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex.

RFA 25-2 was hosted at Eielson Air Force Base with primary operations based out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The exercise brought together more than 1,500 service members and over 70 aircraft from the United States and three allied nations, all focused on improving interoperability, refining combat tactics and strengthening regional readiness.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle pilot performs pre-flight inspections prior to takeoff during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2 at Eielson Air Force, Alaska, June 17, 2025. The exercise strengthens interoperability between the U.S. and Japan while enhancing readiness for real-world operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Brosam)

A U.S. Air Force, 80th Fighter Squadron “Juvats”, F-16D Fighting Falcon refuels from a 168th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 25, 2025. — A U.S. Air Force 80th Fighter Squadron F-16D Fighting Falcon refuels from a 168th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 25, 2025. Red Flag-Alaska is an opportunity for pilots to practice combat style aerial refuelling tactics and integration with allies and partners in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Landon Gunsauls)

Republic of Korea Air Force Capt. Taek Geun Lim, KF-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, reviews flight reference materials prior to departure during Red Flag-Alaska 25-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 24, 2025. RF-A strengthens joint airpower by improving interoperability and enhancing teamwork across allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Brosam)

Forces from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Air Force and the Belgian Special Forces joined U.S. forces on the flightline and in the air, conducting integrated missions across the Alaska range.

“The PACAF objectives for Red-Flag 25-2 is principally the key integration of our partners and allies into our joint force,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Derrick Franck, RFA 25-2 deployed forces commander. “We are here to train in peace time with our Korean and Japanese [allies] and accomplish training objectives that show the dominance of air power in the 21st century.”

Their participation highlights the strength of long-standing alliances and reinforces a shared commitment to regional security, joint readiness and tactical integration in the Indo-Pacific.

“The heart of Red Flag today is that mission planning function of how we work together with multiple, different diverse background platforms and capabilities,” Franck said. “The best part of Red Flag is that should we have to fight tonight or take it north, we have already learned the lessons of how the ROKAF and JASDF operate and we know how to put that all together in a time of crisis.”

Now in its 50th year, Red Flag-Alaska continues to serve as a cornerstone of coalition airpower training in the Indo-Pacific. It aims to provide realistic, high-end scenarios designed to prepare aircrews and support personnel for expeditionary operations in contested environments.

The expansive 77,000 square miles of airspace in the JPARC remains unmatched for pushing the limits of integrated air combat training, especially for fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II.

“The Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex is a national treasure,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Townsend, 354th Fighter Wing commander. “It is a tremendous air space that allows our air crew to execute their advanced tactics, techniques and procedures against a credible surface-to-air and air-to-air adversary.”

Red Flag-Alaska 25-2 strengthened joint airpower, deepened allied partnerships and ensured participating forces are better prepared to operate together in the Indo-Pacific.