Taking advantage of the USS George Washington (CVN-73) passing through as part of its Southern Seas 2024 deployment, Colombian Air Force Kfir jets completed a series of joint exercises with the F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Carrier Air Wing of the U.S Navy’s aircraft carrier. These exercises were part of Relámpago IX air exercises, which typically involve the participation of high-profile U.S. Armed Forces assets, as evidenced by last year’s edition featuring USAF F-15 Eagles.
According to the Colombian Air Force, this year’s edition, Relámpago IX-24, aimed to train flight techniques, tactics, and procedures with the presence of the U.S aircraft carrier, operating in the Pacific Ocean along with assets and personnel from the Colombian Navy.
Colombian Air Force deployed assets included Kfir jets, ECN-235 electronic warfare aircraft, a KC-767 tanker aircraft, C295 transport planes, and a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
Photographic evidence showcased the participation of F/A-18 Super Hornets from the renowned VFA-103 Strike Fighter Squadron, known as Jolly Rogers. They were complemented by EG-18 electronic warfare aircraft and F-35C stealth fighters, though the latter were not visible in the photographs released by the force on July 3rd.
During Relámpago IX-24, activities included defensive and offensive counter-air missions, aerial refueling, command and control, electronic protection, space operations involving the SpOC (Space Operations Center) located at the “Marco Fidel Suárez” Military Aviation School, and search and rescue operations aimed at achieving and maintaining air superiority in the operational area, as detailed by the Colombian Air Force.
The exercises advanced training in a highly dynamic and realistic scenario, allowing participating forces to refine their skills and operational procedures in complex situations. They also strengthened maintenance protocols to be used in future international exercises and daily aircraft readiness to ensure operational safety and effectiveness leading up to Relámpago X-2025 operational exercise.
*Photographs: Colombian Air Force.
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