AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- U.S. Airmen and F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron are participating in exercise Falcon Strike 21 at Amendola Air Base, Italy, from June 7-15, 2021.
Falcon Strike 21 is a joint multinational exercise with participants from the United States, Israel, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The exercise optimizes the integration between fourth-generation and fifth-generation aircraft, increases the level of cooperation in the F-35 logistics and expeditionary fields, and strengthens interoperability of allied and partner air forces during joint operations.
This year’s exercise is hosted by Italy and will provide multinational forces the opportunity to test and improve shared technical and tactical knowledge, while conducting complex air operations in a multinational, joint force environment. Amendola Air Base is the main operating base for Falcon Strike 21 and all training scenarios will take place in Italian air space.
Aircraft planned to participate in the exercise include: U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II and F-16 aircraft; U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft; Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II aircraft; Italian Air Force F-35A and F-35B Lightning II, Gulfstream G550, F-2000 Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado, AMX International aircraft, Alenia Aermacci T-346 aircraft, and MQ-1 Predator aircraft; and Israeli Air Force F-35I Adir and Gulfstream G550 aircraft.
In addition to enhancing combat readiness and strengthening bonds between allies and partners, Falcon Strike 21 provides participants the opportunity to develop capabilities in planning and conducting complex air operations, leading to an advanced level of training.
Participation in multinational exercises like Falcon Strike 21 enhances our professional relationships and improves overall coordination with allies and partner militaries during times of crisis.
U.S. European Command and our NATO partners and allies continue to strengthen our deterrence efforts and adapt by improving readiness and responsiveness.