On 8 August 2018 twelve F-22A Raptors arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, for exercise ‘Iron Hand’. The F-22s from Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida would stay for several weeks at Spangdahlem Air Base.

Integration 4th and 5th generation fighters
The general main emphasis was on the interoperability of 4th and 5th generation aircraft and the readiness posture of U.S. Air Forces in Europe. Therefor the F-22s conducted training with other USAFE and partner nation aircraft. The F-22s were forward deployed to Poland, Italy, Greece, Spain and Norway and trained with other aircraft from their temporary home base Spangdahlem. During these missions the Raptors trained also with Belgium and Dutch F-16s, German Eurofighters and French Mirages.

Important lessons for the 480^th FS pilot
For the pilots of Spangdahlem´s 480^th FS the integration with the F-22 is a unique experience. According to Lt.Col. Richards, commander of the 480^th, flying with and against the F-22 is a real challenge. On some occasions the Vipers and F-22s played the red force, on some occasions they fought each other, but the favorite part of the training for Lt.Col. Richards was when both the F-16s and F-22´ form the blue force and fight together against attacking forces.

Active and reserve pilots
The Raptors belong to the 95^th Fighter Squadron `Boneheads´. The unit is part of the 325^th Fighter Wing of Tyndall AFB, Florida. The unit works closely together with an Air Force Reserve unit, the 301^st Fighter Squadron.

A Dutch version of this story was published in the September 2018 issue of Full Stop Magazine