US F-35s, UK Typhoons, and French Rafales excel in joint dispersal exercise ‘Atlantic Trident 2023’

In a recent joint exercise named Atlantic Trident 2023, US F-35 fighter jets, in collaboration with Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon and French Rafale aircraft, demonstrated remarkable tactical agility. The simulated scenario involved a threat to their main operating bases, prompting the need for a dispersal exercise.

The participating fighter aircraft received in-flight notifications that their home bases were inaccessible, leading to swift instructions to disperse and relocate. The relocation took place at RAF Leeming in Yorkshire, England, where secure communications were established with HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Diamond. 

Strategic shift: Embracing dispersed operations 

This joint exercise signifies a strategic shift among Western Air Forces, emphasizing the importance of dispersed operations. The ability to relocate assets quickly and efficiently is considered crucial in addressing evolving geopolitical challenges. The Royal Air Force highlighted the need to be prepared for various scenarios, including the denial or threat to home bases.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth, RAF Air and Space Commander, emphasized the significance of the RAF's capability to relocate assets, underscoring the success of the joint UK/French exercise in addressing operational challenges. 

ACE in action: Strengthening operational flexibility 

Aligned with the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, the exercise showcased the ability to disperse assets, complicating potential adversaries' targeting processes. The implementation of ACE aims to provide increased flexibility for friendly forces and address political and operational challenges effectively. 

The US military, including the Air Force and Marine Corps, has been actively planning and training for distributed air operations from unconventional airfields and runways. The Agile Combat Employment concept involves dispersing small numbers of aircraft to bases across regions, making it more challenging for potential adversaries to target these assets. 

This joint exercise, part of the biennial Atlantic Trident event hosted by the United Kingdom, serves as a platform for collaborative training and strengthening strategic partnerships among participating nations. It plays a crucial role in enhancing combat readiness, refining fighting capabilities, and testing and sharing technical and tactical knowledge.  

In conclusion, the recent joint exercise exemplifies the commitment of allied forces to adapt to modern challenges through tactical agility and strategic shifts towards dispersed operations. The successful relocation and coordination among US F-35s, UK Typhoons, and French Rafales underscore the importance of preparedness and collaboration in addressing complex geopolitical scenarios.