Photo By 1st Lt. Rebecca Abordo | Virtual Black Flag graphic. The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron successfully led the...... read more read more
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron successfully led the second iteration of Virtual Black Flag (VBF) at the Virtual Warfare Center in St. Louis during March 2025. Building upon the success of the inaugural event in July 2024, this iteration saw continued collaboration between Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Space Force partners, further solidifying VBF's position as a crucial element in joint force development.
VBF utilizes advanced simulators to replicate complex combat scenarios, focusing on long-range air-to-air, air-to-surface, and defensive kill chains. This virtual environment allows for testing and refinement of both current and future weapons systems and tactics, free from real-world constraints.
“VBF remains essential in our pursuit of rapid tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) development and delivery to the warfighter,” said the test director. “This year, we’ve honed our focus on streamlining data collection and analysis, ensuring a direct and efficient transfer of lessons learned to the live-fly Black Flag event.”
The VBF team streamlined data collection by concentrating on deliberate decisions and objectives to maximize the effectiveness of both the virtual and live exercises. This focused approach ensures a more efficient live-fly Black Flag, allowing units to refine tactics based on higher-quality insights.
Black Flag is an operational test exercise that evaluates emerging capabilities and tactics in realistic, multi-domain scenarios involving multiple Department of Defense services, with the next annual iteration taking place this summer.
“Seamless integration between our services in a virtual environment like this is critical to maintaining our competitive edge,” said Col. Daniel Lehoski, 53rd Wing commander. “VBF and Black Flag provide invaluable opportunities to refine joint tactics and ensure we can win as a Joint force if deterrence fails.”
Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, underscored VBF’s importance in maintaining combat readiness after attending the test event.
"VBF is not just a simulation; it's a critical step in forging the future of air combat,” said Niemi. “By testing and refining our tactics in this virtual battlespace, we ensure our warfighters are prepared for any threat, anytime, anywhere."
The execution of the second VBF highlights the DoD’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering interservice collaboration to maintain a tactical advantage in an increasingly complex global security landscape.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2025 09:55 |
| Story ID: | 493317 |
| Location: | ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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