Tango for Gripen

One of the world’s biggest multinational flight exercises is currently under way in the USA: Red Flag Alaska. Sweden is represented by the division Tango Red and seven Gripen fighters.

Image: A Swedish flying unit of JAS 39C/D Gripen fighters is taking part in the multinational flight exercise Red Flag Alaska in the USA for two weeks.

7/25/2006 | In all 47 fighter aircraft are taking part in the joint exercise. Sweden’s participation encompasses seven Gripen fighters, 5 single-seaters and 2 two-seaters, and 12 pilots. The exercise runs from July 20 – August 4, although the transfer to the USA began on July 13 when the aircraft set off from the F 17 wing in Ronneby on their first leg to the British Lossiemouth base in Scotland. Two TP 84 Hercules are being used to transport personnel and equipment.

Most complex exercise for Gripen

A new squadron – Tango Red – has been formed for the exercise. Ken Lindberg is Lt. Colonel and will also head up 10 or so assignments over the coming weeks.
“This is the most extensive and complex exercise the Swedish Air Force has been involved in to date with the JAS 39 Gripen,” Ken Lindberg explains. “Taking part will give us extremely important experience ahead of potential international missions in the future.”

Significant experience expected

Taking part in the exercise will also bring experience in planning and execution, as well as putting maintenance and logistics to the test for an operational base more than 6,000 kilometres from Sweden. The exercise also provides a good chance to show off the Gripen and its capabilities to interested parties internationally.

The exercise also goes under the name Cooperative Cope Thunder.

Photo: The Swedish Armed Forces