There is no substitute for realistic aggressor aircraft in large numbers particular as the Red Air for the 100-aircraft packages on Ex RED FLAG which includes AWACS, ISTAR, tankers, B-2 / B-1 / B-52, various spec ops C-130 variants, CSAR helicopters as well as all types of fighters.
The aggressor types coming into service are exceptionally realistic in terms of the emulation of peer systems to AMRAAM and are updated with suitable radars and other threat emulators and jammers.
The F-22 and F-35 both have an insatiable appetite for targets during higher-end training and the types offered by the Red Air contractors are adequate for the majority of the task.
The contractor operated aircraft have a fraction of the operating cost of the F-15Cs that used to be used for the aggressor role before they had to be withdrawn due to fatigue and maintenance issues.
For the high-end of Red Air, there is going to be a dedicated USAF F-35A aggressor squadron and Nellis AFB also has access to F-22s within its own orbat.
These contractors also provide the Blue Air training for roles like CSAR, TACP etc.
Another huge advantage for the USAF is a cut in overall pilot numbers used in operational training roles at a time when retention is an issue. Many of the contractor pilots - particularly in hands on leadership roles - are ex-USAF FWC or USN Top Gun instructors and that helps with both continuity and ethos.
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