Page 49 - Leverage and Learn

Leverage Allied Investments and Combat Learning Experience in Modernizing the U.S. Military

integrated network is what Canada will leverage as Canada shape’s an approach to the modernization of
their assets, including a replacement air platform a decade ahead.

“What do we need to put onto the new manned platform from the standpoint of the evolution of the network.
Canadian industry has played a key role in shaping capabilities onboard the CP-140 and I would see that
role continuing on our replacement manned aircraft. It's less about the platform, but the brains of that
platform.”

We concluded by discussing the question of NORAD and the way ahead. The head of the Royal Canadian
Air Force noted that “I've just had staff talks with General Dave Goldfein and General Jay Raymond from US
Space Command and I can tell you that certainly on the space side, we are the critical partner of your country
in sharing that burden in space and making sure that we're ready for the future.”

MOVING ON BEYOND AWACS: THE ARRIVAL OF WEDGETAIL

Why Not Buy Wedgetail and Move Out Beyond AWACS: Coming To Terms
with a 5th Generation Enabled Force
2017-02-15 The Aussie Wedgetail has come to Red Flag 2017-1 and has provided advanced C2 and
support to a fifth generation enabled air combat force.

F-35s, F-22s and advanced legacy aircraft like Typhoons have been supported throughout by the most
advanced air battle management system operating today.

And it is being operated by the RAAF and not the USAF; and the RAF is also considering its acquisition.
Instead of slow rolling an upgrade of AWACS, it is time to leap ahead and move beyond the 360 degree
radar dome technology and embrace a very different concept of air battle management, one good for
today and one very integratable into the tron warfare and distributed operations of the future.

In the following report by the RAAF, their recent participation in Red Flag 17-1 is highlighted.

After three weeks of high-intensity missions, Exercise Red Flag 17-1 has concluded.
A 200-strong contingent of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel deployed to Nellis Air Force Base in
Nevada with colleagues from the United States and United Kingdom. This year, Exercise Red Flag 17-1, also
witnessed the United States Air Force (USAF) debut its F-35A Lightning II in the exercise.

The training operates within the 31,000-square-kilometre Nevada Test and Training Range, which is turned into a
simulation of a high-end threat battlespace.

RAAF deployed a range of capabilities during Exercise Red Flag 17-1, from a combat control team that
parachuted in freezing conditions to a dry lake bed for an airfield survey; to air battlespace managers who
controlled movements and datalinks for more than 70 friendly and ‘enemy’ aircraft.

Commander of the Australian contingent, Group Captain Stuart Bellingham, said RAAF C-130J Hercules
transport and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft flew on missions in Exercise Red Flag 17-1.

“By coming here, we’re preparing for high-end war fighting, so we can deploy at short-notice on operations, and
have confidence that we are going to be successful,” Group Captain Bellingham said.

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