Thanks to the Turkish Air Force and their personnel who arranged an excellent programme over three days in June, we are able to present a photographic report on Anatolian Eagle 2015/2 held at Konya AFB. Access given to runway, taxiway and flightlines, was first class.
History Anatolian Eagle sprang from a visit to Nellis AFB by TAF observers in 1983 followed by participation in 1997 by six F-16s. The first exercise, Anatolian Eagle 01 was held by TAF Operations Command in June 2001. Over the ensuing years this has progressed to three exercises per year with varied nations taking part. The exercise is very similar to Red Flag with two opposing forces. The Blue team supported by AWACS aircraft attacks tactical and strategic targets in Red Land during Combined Air Operations while the Red Team defend their territory using land based radar and ground launched missiles. There is a full debriefing after each launch.
Participants
The TAF was represented by F-16, F-4-2020 and Wedgetail AWAC aircraft .
The USAF was present with 12 F-15C/D aircraft from 493rd FS, RAF Lakenheath
The RAF was present with 8 Typhoons from 11 Squadron from RAF Coningsby
The Spanish Airforce attended with 6 EF-18 aircraft from EdA/Ala 15
The Pakistan Airforce brought 6 F-16A/B aircraft from 9 Squadron
The German Airforce brought an Airbus 310-304MRTT refuelling aircraft
The NATO AEWF supplied E-3A aircraft from Geilenkirchen AB in Germany.
Galleries 5 galleries of photos have been uploaded to the Rapcon site, two covering the large force of TAF F-16s, one for the TAF F-4s and Pakistan F-16s , one for the other overseas participants and finally, one for the support and heavy aircraft + helicopters.
