Raptor makes Red Flag debut Saturday - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Raptor makes Red Flag debut Saturday

The F-22A Raptor makes its Red Flag debut this month when the air exercise starts Saturday, Jan. 13 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

“The Raptor will be flying in Red Flag for the first time, and its role will be primarily air-to-air fighter escort for the flag’s air-to-ground strike aircraft, but will also demonstrate its air-to-ground capabilities,” said Capt. James Govin, 414th Combat Training Squadron flight commander and team chief for this Red Flag.

Red Flag 07-2 runs through Feb. 17. It will involve more than 200 U.S. military and coalition aircraft. In addition to F-22As, aircraft ranging from the MQ-1 Predator to the Royal Air Force’s Tornado, Australian Air Force’s F-111 Aardvark and high-flying U-2 surveillance aircraft will be part of the exercise.