Frag Out! Magazine
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tactics employed in air operations by the Polish F-16s and US F-15s and F-16s. The scenario of the two-weeks long exercise (whereas the Grim Reapers and their F-15Cs only stayed in Poland during week one, and then they returned to the UK) had two phases. First - defensive sorties were being flown, which later transitioned to of- fensive missions. During the first phase of the exercise, the Polish F-16s were flying in the DCA (Defensive Counter Air Role), in mixed four-ship formations (2xF-16 plus 2xF-15C). Considering the unique capabilities of the air superiority fighter - the F-15C - verifying the compatibility and lethality of such formations has been quite rele- vant, considering the scenario of a hypothetical defensive operation supported by the US Forces. Defensive missions with target transfer between the areas of responsibility handled by the F-15s and F-16s were also a part of the exercise. The cooperation between the Polish F-16s, and the US F-15C and F-15E fighters also allowed the Polish pilots to take a closer look at the capabilities of the AESA radars, and the use of those radars in combat. Both types of the US aircraft listed above have recently been upgraded with new radars - APG- 63(v)3 and AN/APG-82(v)1 respectively. The opportunity made it possible to depict the scale of advantages, a solution as such en- tails - with the new sensors installed on the 4+ upgraded aircraft. It is not a secret that the AESA sensor is at the top of the list of possible and desirable upgrades that the Polish F-16s may receive. As the days went by, the defensive scenario gradually transformed itself into an offensive one, in which a major emphasis was placed on COMAO sorties (Composite Air Operations, involving multiple air- craft of multiple types). The Polish pilots, within the framework of COMAO sorties, were also assigned the MC (Mission Commander) role, having the flagship USAF strike asset - the F-15E - at their disposal. In this phase, the 480th Fighter Squadron's Wild Weasels also played a crucial role - conducting the SEAD operations. In par- allel, DACT (Dissimilar Air Combat Training) was also taking place - with dogfights arranged between F-16 and F-15C/E in 1 vs 1, and 1 vs 2 settings. The guests, as usual (this is a usual part of interna- tional exercises as such - be it ADR, or NTM) wanted to fight the Pol- ish MiG-29s as well. They get no opportunities as such on a regular basis. The TSA2 area was used as an arena for fights between F-15s and MiG-29s from Minsk Mazowiecki (23rd Tactical Air Base), and Malbork (22nd Tactical Air Base). Some scenarios also envisaged AAR support provided by Stratotankers of the 100th Air Refuelling Wing based in RAF Mildenhall. The last ADR rotation allowed both parties involved to reach rele- vant conclusions and results. The Americans have proven that they can reinforce the NATO Eastern Flank rapidly, deploying a major quantity of combat aircraft to the theater. In recent years, so big a detachment of USAF MRCA never deployed to any European state. Meanwhile, not only have the Poles proven that the Polish air bas- es can host so many aircraft, providing efficient support within the scope of logistics, but they also have shown that, thanks to the standardized training and procedures, the Polish Air Force can par- ticipate and carry out a common, joint air operation. The political and diplomatic benefits cannot be overlooked as well. Even though the exercise had been preplanned, the dates that were aligned with the Russian powerplay near the Ukrainian border could have been (and probably were) perceived as a strong signal NATO sent to its eastern flank allies. Special thanks go to commanders and soldiers of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, 31st Tactical Air Base, and 32nd Tactical Air Base - without whom the above article would not have taken shape. between the areas of responsibility handled by the F-15s and F-16s were also a part of the exercise. The cooperation between the Polish F-16s, and the US F-15C and F-15E fighters also allowed the Polish pilots to take a closer look at the capabilities of the AESA radars, and the use of those radars in combat. Both types of the US aircraft listed above have recently been upgraded with new radars - APG- 63(v)3 and AN/APG-82(v)1 respectively. The opportunity made it possible to depict the scale of advantages, a solution as such en- tails - with the new sensors installed on the 4+ upgraded aircraft. It is not a secret that the AESA sensor is at the top of the list of possible and desirable upgrades that the Polish F-16s may receive. As the days went by, the defensive scenario gradually transformed itself into an offensive one, in which a major emphasis was placed itself into an offensive one, in which a major emphasis was placed on COMAO sorties (Composite Air Operations, involving multiple air on COMAO sorties (Composite Air Operations, involving multiple air- craft of multiple types). The Polish pilots, within the framework of craft of multiple types). The Polish pilots, within the framework of COMAO sorties, were also assigned the MC COMAO sorties, were also assigned the MC (Mission Commander) role, having the flagship Commander) role, having the flagship USAF strike asset - the F-15E - at their USAF strike asset - the F-15E - at their The last ADR rotation allowed both parties involved to reach rele vant conclusions and results. The Americans have proven that they can reinforce the NATO Eastern Flank rapidly, deploying a major quantity of combat aircraft to the theater. In recent years, so big a detachment of USAF MRCA never deployed to any European state. Meanwhile, not only have the Poles proven that the Polish air bas Meanwhile, not only have the Poles proven that the Polish air bas- es can host so many aircraft, providing efficient support within the es can host so many aircraft, providing efficient support within the scope of logistics, but they also have shown that, thanks to the scope of logistics, but they also have shown that, thanks to the standardized training and procedures, the Polish Air Force can par standardized training and procedures, the Polish Air Force can par- ticipate and carry out a common, joint air operation. The political ticipate and carry out a common, joint air operation. The political and diplomatic benefits cannot be overlooked as well. Even though and diplomatic benefits cannot be overlooked as well. Even though the exercise had been preplanned, the dates that were aligned with the exercise had been preplanned, the dates that were aligned with the Russian powerplay near the Ukrainian border could have been (and probably were) perceived as a strong signal NATO sent to its eastern flank allies. Special thanks go to commanders and soldiers of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing, 31st Tactical Air Base, and 32nd Tactical Air Base - without whom the above article would not have taken shape. 19 www.fragoutmag.com AVIATION