A US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in the Ohio National Guard takes off from Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, during the “Checkered Flag 26” military exercises. The exercises bring together the US Navy and US Air Force for interoperability training. (US Air National Guard/Master Sgt. Kregg York) *Some photographic elements have been blurred for security purposes

‘Checkered Flag 26’: Can the Military Branches Fly Well Together?

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The recent aerial exercises in Florida brought together aircraft from the US Navy and US Air Force—intended to ensure that they could operate as a joint force in the event of a future conflict.

The US military is steadily moving to sixth-generation fighter jets with the addition of the F-47 in the next few years and the development of the F/A-XX. But until then, the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps must continue to rely on a mixed fleet of fifth- and fourth-generation aircraft.  

The seamless integration of these assets is key to ensuring air superiority in a potential near-peer conflict with China or Russia.  

How the Armed Services Are Integrating Their Air Wings

Checkered Flag 26, a recent........

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