65th aggressor squadron f-5e lightning

65th Aggressor Squadron reactivated at Nellis with Lightning IIs

On 9 June , after more than three years of delays and hassle behind the scenes (read the Scramble Magazine news items of May and January ), the 65th Aggressor Squadron was reactivated during a ceremony at Nellis AFB (NV).

With more Chengdu Js becoming operational, the growing threat posed by the People's Republic of China's Fifth- and Sixth-Generation fighter development, the USAF has to use a portion of its daily Fifth-Generation aircraft to replicate (future) adversary Fifth-Generation capabilities.

One of the first Lockheed Martin FA Lightning IIs to be used to replicate advanced and credible adversary tactics is /WA.

The latter, resembling the camouflage stealth colours of the Chinese J, has also the 65th AGRS flagship markings.

Using the FA as an aggressor allows pilots to train against low-observable threats similar to what adversaries are using and developing.

The Fs will be employed into large Combat Air