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Exercise Frisian Flag

{{Infobox airport

| name = Leeuwarden Air Base

| ensign =

| nativename =

| nativename-r =

| image =

| image-width = 250

| caption =

| IATA = LWR

| ICAO = EHLW

| type = Military

| owner = Military of the Netherlands

| operator = Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF)
Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu)

| location = Leeuwarden, Netherlands

| built = 1938

| used =

| commander =

| occupants =

| metric-elev = y

| elevation-m = 1

| elevation-f = 3

| website =

| coordinates = {{coord|53|13|43|N|05|45|38|E|region:NL|display=inline,title}}

| pushpin_map = Netherlands

| pushpin_mapsize = 250

| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Leeuwarden Air Base

| pushpin_label = EHLW

| pushpin_label_position = left

| metric-rwy = y

| r1-number = 05/23

| r1-length-m = 2,957

| r1-length-f = 9,701

| r1-surface = Asphalt

| r2-number = 02/20

| r2-length-m = 1,999

| r2-length-f = 6,559

| r2-surface = Asphalt

| footnotes = Source: DAFIF{{cite web|url-status=usurped|url=http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=EHLW|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305143444/http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=EHLW|archive-date=2019-03-05|title=Airport information for EHLW|website=World Aero Data}} Data current as of October 2006. Source: DAFIF.{{GCM|LWR|source=DAFIF}}

}}

Exercise Frisian Flag

Is a major NATO multinational aerial exercise, held annually at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, over the North Sea{{cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/nato-fighters-and-refuellers-to-train-in-netherlands/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=NATO fighters and refuellers to train in Netherlands|date=10 April 2019 }} and in the skies above the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark.{{cite web|url=https://shape.nato.int/news-archive/2018/nato-allies-and-partners-head-home-as-exercise-frisian-flag-concludes|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=NATO Allies and partners head home as exercise Frisian Flag concludes}}

Missions flown during Frisian Flag included defensive and offensive air missions, protection of friendly aircraft and Close Air Support (CAS) strikes. Some missions call for Forward Air Controller units coordinate with fighter elements to attack ground targets. Surface-to-air missile systems enabled realistic exercise scenarios missions.{{cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/international-air-exercises-in-netherlands-drawing-to-a-close/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=International air exercises in Netherlands drawing to a close|date=17 April 2019 }}

A combat search and rescue element has been added to recent Frisian Flag exercises. Usually involving the rescue of downed air crew by ground forces with the assistance of fighters and helicopters.{{cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/international-air-exercises-in-netherlands-drawing-to-a-close/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=International air exercises in Netherlands drawing to a close|date=17 April 2019 }}

History

The exercise was first held in 1992 following NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina, originally called exercise DIATIT, the first three letters coming from the word DIANA, 323 Tactical Training Evaluation and Standardization (TACTES) Squadron's nickname (the organizing unit) and the last three letters coming from the words Tactical Integrated Training.{{cite web|url=http://www.doubledutch-magazine.com/frysian_flag.htm|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 1999}}

It changed its name to 'Frisian Flag' in 1999. The name 'Frisian Flag' was chosen because 'Frisian' is named after the province of Friesland, the home of Leeuwarden Air Base and because of similar 'Flag' exercises such as 'Red Flag' (U.S) and 'Maple Flag' (Canada).

Operational planning of Exercise Frisian Flag is organised by 322 Tactical Training Evaluation and Standardization (TACTES) Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).{{cite web|url=http://www.jetwashaviationphotos.com/exercise-frisian-flag--leeuwarden.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322151641/http://www.jetwashaviationphotos.com/exercise-frisian-flag--leeuwarden.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 22, 2017|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Exercise Frisian Flag 2016}}

Frisian Flag is open to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Partnership for Peace (PfP) members, participating aircraft fly twice-daily missions during the exercise, which is designed to prepare participating aircrew for complex hostile environments, including missions that may occur in a high intensity conflict. It provides the opportunity for air forces to plan and execute complex missions including offensive and defensive training in a realistic scenario.{{cite web|url=https://shape.nato.int/news-archive/2018/nato-allies-and-partners-head-home-as-exercise-frisian-flag-concludes|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=NATO Allies and partners head home as exercise Frisian Flag concludes}} Defensive Counter Air (DCA) missions are flown with close coordination with ground-based surface-to-air missile units.{{cite web|url=https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/frisian-flag-2012-contractor-support-of-air-operations/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 2012 – contractor support of air operations|date=16 August 2012 }}

Modern Era

The aerial exercises takes place in two waves daily, morning and afternoon during the two-week period. There is no flying in the evenings and on weekends.{{cite web|url=https://northerntimes.nl/annual-frisian-flag-fighter-jet-exercise-starting-next-week-in-leeuwarden/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Annual Frisian Flag fighter jet exercise starting next week in Leeuwarden|date=22 March 2019 }}

During the exercise, the pilots co-operate with the land and naval forces, including the JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers). The fighter component will also receive support from a NATO AWACS platform.

The European Air Refuelling Training (EART) exercise is integrated with Exercise Frisian Flag. French, Dutch, Italian and German tankers operate from Eindhoven air base.{{cite web|url=https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/press-centre/latest-news/2018/04/09/5th-european-air-to-air-refuelling-training-takes-off-in-the-netherlands|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=5th European Air-to-Air Refuelling Training takes off in the Netherlands}}

Aircraft are divided into friendly 'Blue' and hostile 'Red' forces at the start of the exercise.{{cite web|url=https://www.eda.europa.eu/info-hub/press-centre/latest-news/2018/04/09/5th-european-air-to-air-refuelling-training-takes-off-in-the-netherlands|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 12}} Exercise Frisian Flag has evolved into one of the largest NATO exercises,{{cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_165715.htm|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=NATO air forces wrap up exercise Frisian Flag}} involving more than 70 aircraft from NATO and Partnership for Peace countries.{{cite web|url=http://en.aviation-report.com/exercise-frisian-flag-2018-more-than-70-nato-military-aircraft-in-the-netherlands/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Exercise Frisian Flag 2018: more than 70 NATO military aircraft in the Netherlands|date=4 April 2018 }}

During Frisian Flag command and control of aircraft is provided by Dutch and German Control and Reporting Centres (CRCs) supported by NATO AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft from NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen.{{cite web|url=https://shape.nato.int/news-archive/2018/nato-allies-and-partners-head-home-as-exercise-frisian-flag-concludes|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=NATO Allies and partners head home as exercise Frisian Flag concludes}}

No live ammunition is used during the exercise. All air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon launches are simulated.{{cite web|url=https://pocketmags.com/magazine-articles/article/1381/frisian-flag-a-dutch-master-class|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag a Dutch Master Class}}

Aggressors

Fighters from participating units, as well as Douglas A-4 Skyhawks from Discovery Air Defence play the role of 'Red' hostile forces.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbap.be/events/2012/006frisian2012/006frisian2012.htm|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Polish F-16 Fighters Taking Part In The Frisian Flag Exercise}} British company Cobham plc provide Falcon 20 aircraft to simulate enemy electronic jamming during Frisian Flag exercises.{{cite web|url=https://www.kc-photography.be/frisian-flag-2018|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 2018}} The Royal Norwegian Air Force has also provided electronic warfare Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft in previous Frisian Flag exercises.{{cite web|url=http://www.on-finals.nl/Pages%20At%20The%20Fence/Frisian%20Flag%202013.html|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 13}}

A Gates Learjet 36A from Dutch company Skyline Aviation was used to provide hostile 'enemy' jamming during Frisian Flag 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbap.be/events/2013/007frisianflag2013/007frisianflag2013.htm|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=War Operations Above Friesland}}

Surface to Air Threat

Realistic ground based threats include surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems like the SA-6 'Gainful' and Roland mobile short-range SAM system and 'Smokey Sam' missiles that are fired at aircraft to simulate hostile enemy threat environment.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbap.be/events/2017/008frisian2017/008frisian2017.htm|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Bayou}} Dutch Patriot SAM batteries have also been integrated into Frisian Flag.{{cite web|url=https://www.dutchdefencepress.com/frisian-flag-2012-contractor-support-of-air-operations/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 2012 – contractor support of air operations|date=16 August 2012 }} The SAM units are based at the Marnewaard training area and the Vliehors range (NATO codename 'Cornfield') on the Dutch island Vlieland.{{cite web|url=http://www.jetwashaviationphotos.com/eart---frisian-flag-2018.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808050127/http://www.jetwashaviationphotos.com/eart---frisian-flag-2018.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=August 8, 2018|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Two Exercises, One Goal'}}{{cite web|url=http://www.runway28.nl/2009_05_14_EHCF_EN.php|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Cornfield Range Vlieland}}

Gallery

{{Gallery

|width=200

|height=150

|File:F-4F 37+65 (50061835311).jpg|Luftwaffe F-4 Phantom II (Frisian Flag 2008)

|File:HN-432 Finnish AF Boeing F-18C Hornet of HäLLv 21 (4542992909).jpg|Finnish AF Boeing F-18C (Frisian Flag 2010)

|File:39231 SAAB J-39C Gripen of F21 of the Swedish Air Force (4543631006).jpg| Swedish AF Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Frisian Flag 2010)

|File:FA-110 (8665633636).jpg|Belgian AF F-16AM (Frisian Flag 2013)

|File:F-16AM Dutch (16962232798).jpg|Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16MLU (Frisian Flag 2015)

|File:Polish Air Force (4075) F-16C Block 52 at Frisian Flag 2015.jpg|Polish Air Force F-16C (Frisian Flag 2015)

|File:United States Air Force (82-0016) F-15C Eagle at Frisian Flag 2015.jpg|142nd FW Oregon ANG F-15C (Frisian Flag 2015)

|File:Frisian Flag 2017 653-3-AU (34355415061).jpg|French AF Mirage 2000D (Frisian Flag 2017)

|File:Frisian Flag 2017 ZA554-046 (33665499435).jpg| Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 (Frisian Flag 2017)

|File:2018 Frisian Flag 30+87 (42004552415).jpg|Luftwaffe Eurofighter (Frisian Flag 2018)

|File:Frisian Flag 2019 91-0405 (47960778972).jpg|148th FW, Minnesota ANG, F-16C (Frisian Flag 2019)

|File:Frisian Flag 2019 J-5011 (32906496097).jpg|F/A-18C Swiss AF (Frisian Flag 2019)

|File:Frisian Flag 2019 G-FRAJ (48522593952).jpg| Dassault Falcon 20, Cobham PLC (U.K.) (Frisian Flag 2019)

}}

Past Participants

{{colbegin}}

  • {{BEL}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dutchaviationphoto.com/frisian-flag-2014/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 2014}}
  • {{CAN}}
  • {{DEN}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sbap.be/events/2014/012frisian2014/012frisian2014.htm|title=Frisian Flag 2014}}
  • {{FIN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000153857/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Air Force Medical Service Photos}}
  • {{FRA}}{{cite web|url=http://gmap.nl/frisian-flag-exercise-2019/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 2019|date=28 April 2019 }}
  • {{GER}}{{cite web|url=http://www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2012/military-aviation-exercise-frisian-flag-2012/index.php|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 2012}}
  • {{ITA}}
  • {{NLD}}
  • {{NOR}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000153858/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag}}
  • {{POL}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defence24.com/polish-f-16-fighters-to-take-part-in-the-frisian-flag-exercise|title=Polish F-16 Fighters To Take Part In The Frisian Flag Exercise|date=8 April 2016 }}
  • {{POR}}{{cite web|url=https://aviationweek.com/blog/photos-exercise-frisian-flag/|accessdate=8 October 2019|title=Frisian Flag 2017}}
  • {{ESP}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aviamagazine.com/reports/exercise/2018/frisianflag/index.aspx|title=Frisian Flag 2018}}
  • {{SWE}}{{cite web|url=https://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2013/05/13/feature-exercise-frisian-flag-2013/|title=Military Exercise – Exercise Frisian Flag 2013|date=13 May 2013 }}
  • {{SWI}}{{cite web|url=https://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2019/05/03/exercises-and-deployments-frisian-flag-2019-leeuwarden-airbase/|title=Exercises and Deployments – Frisian Flag 2019 - Leeuwarden Airbase|date=May 3, 2019}}
  • {{US}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Press-Releases/Article/1808938/us-air-force-airmen-participate-in-frisian-flag-2019/|title=U.S. Air Force Airmen participate in Frisian Flag 2019|date=9 April 2019 }}
  • {{UK}}{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/uncategorised/newsuk-raf-deploys-six-tornado-gr4-aircraft-for-frisian-flag-exercise-in-netherlands-5784284/|title=UK RAF deploys six Tornado GR4 aircraft for Frisian Flag exercise in Netherlands}}

{{colend}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Exercise Frisian Flag (Royal Netherlands Air Force)}}

Category:NATO military exercises

Category:Royal Netherlands Air Force

Category:United States Air Force exercises

Category:Military exercises involving France

Category:Military exercises involving the United States

Category:Military aviation exercises

Category:Military exercises and wargames