Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other partner nations this year took part in US-hosted Red Flag and Green Flag exercises.

The joint drills underscore the continued US commitment to enhancing combat readiness in collaboration with key allies.

Some 15 units from the US Air Force, Marine Corps, UAE Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force and the Turkish Air Force took part in Red Flag 25-2 in March.

Red Flag is a two-week aerial exercise held several times a year at Nellis Air Force Base that provides realistic flight combat training for pilots and flight crews.

Nellis offers proximity to the 3,850-sq km Nevada Test and Training Range, enabling pilots to practice realistic sorties.

Red Flag exercises were developed in 1975 to build on lessons learned during the Vietnam War.

Studies showed the first 10 combat missions were the most dangerous for aircrews, so the Air Force devised Red Flag to allow them to conduct those missions in a realistic but controlled environment.

During the drills, simulated aggressor forces emulate the tactics, techniques and equipment of potential adversaries, injecting realism into every scenario.

When global partners take part, Red Flag offers more elaborate combat scenarios for participants to train against and demonstrates the United States' continued commitment to supporting its allies.

In the recent exercise, aircraft from the Royal Saudi Air Force, UAE Air Force, and US Air Force B-52 Stratofortresses flew together, exemplifying seamless integration and collaboration.

Crucial exercises

Meanwhile, Green Flag focuses on air-to-ground integration, providing joint and partner forces with training in the integration and employment of air, space and cyberspace, in conjunction with ground force operations.

First established in 1981, Green Flag exercises are conducted in conjunction with US Army operations at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

Green Flag typically involves participation by a least one multi-role fighter and/or bomber squadron, unmanned aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft and aerial refueling aircraft.

The drill also focuses on the integration of both ground-based and airborne command and control assets.

Allied air forces also participate in designated Green Flag exercises. The drills provide critical joint training for approximately 25,000 joint and coalition personnel per year, according to the US Air Force.

Since their inception, Red Flag and Green Flag have evolved alongside the ever-changing landscape of warfare, integrating the advanced tactics and technologies required by modern combat.

The exercises are regarded as some of the most crucial and impactful air training exercises in the world, boosting the capabilities of US forces and allied nations.