Training and Workforce
USAF to Activate ‘Stealth’ Aggressor Unit
Early F-35s are to be assigned to an aggressor squadron to permit the replication of potential fifth-generation threat types.
Nellis AFB currently hosts the F-35As of the 6th Weapons Squadron, 57th Wing, which conducts advanced weapons and tactics training. From 2022 they are due to be joined by more F-35As with the reactivated 65th Aggressor Squadron. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
Nellis AFB currently hosts the F-35As of the 6th Weapons Squadron, 57th Wing, which conducts advanced weapons and tactics training. From 2022 they are due to be joined by more F-35As with the reactivated 65th Aggressor Squadron. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

On May 9, the U.S. Air Force announced that it is creating a new aggressor squadron to conduct dissimilar air combat training, tactics evaluation/development, and support to the Red Flag exercises with the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB, Nevada, as part of the service’s drive to expand and improve its training capabilities for fifth-generation fighters.

Notably, the reactivated 65th Aggressor Squadron will be equipped with the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. The employment of stealthy F-35s would allow the 65th to replicate some of the tactics and capabilities of potential fifth-generation adversaries, such as the Chinese J-20 and Russian Su-57.

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