Three-nation Tri-Lightning exercise demonstrates air power interoperability
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F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft from the United States,United Kingdom and Israel participated in Exercise Tri-Lightning over theEastern Mediterranean Sea.
Tri-Lightning was a one-day defensive counter air exerciseinvolving friendly and adversary aircraft from the three participatingcountries, and consisted of active and passive air defense operations.
This exercise is a demonstration of the interoperabilitybetween the U.S., U.K., and Israel using the F-35A, F-35B and F-35I respectively.
“We build capacity with our strategic partners to harnessour air component’s capabilities and skills,” said Lt. Gen. Joseph T.Guastella, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander. “The transatlanticstrategic relationship between the U.S. and our allies and partners has beenforged over the past seven decades, and is built on a foundation of sharedvalues, experience and vision.”
The U.S. Air Force F-35As flew from Al Dhafra Air Base,U.A.E.; the Royal Air Force F-35Bs flew from RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus; and theIsraeli Air Force F-35Is flew from Nevatim Air Base, Israel.
“Tri-Lightning was an exercise which had been planned formonths, and it provided an outstanding opportunity for the squadron to operateand learn from our fellow F-35 community,” said U.K. Wing Commander JohnButcher, Squadron 617 commanding officer. “In addition, it allowed us to shareand gain valuable experience that we will be able to exploit during futuretraining and potentially operational deployments, whether embedded on the QueenElizabeth or from overseas airbases.”
The F-35s from the three nations played as primary friendly,or blue, force players in this exercise while a variety of other aircraftplayed the aggressor roles, simulating realistic combat situations between theadvanced F-35s and previous generation fighters.
“The exercise today reflects the close cooperation between the participating nations, said Brig. Gen. Amnon Ein-Dar, Israel Chief of Air Staff. “This training opportunity between Israel, the U.S. and Britain, strengthens shared capabilities and overall cooperation amongst allies.”
Source: US Air Force
