US, British pilots train over Turkey

Selcan Hacaoglu Associated Press Writer 15.06.2009 20:30

Senior Airman Alex Armstead, an F-16 Fighting Falcon Aggressor crew chief, assigned to the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., finalizes his pre-flight aircraft inspection before morning launch during exercise Maple Flag 42 at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Canada, June 2. Maple Flag is a Canadian-sponsored and Air Combat Command supported exercise that provides aircrews simulated air and ground combat training to coalition forces in a NATO environment. (US Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr., Released)

KONYA, Turkey (AP) — Dozens of US, British and Turkish pilots are engaged in mock aerial battles over central Turkey indicating deepening cooperation between the allies.

The military says pilots from Jordan and the United Arab Emirates are also participating in the Anatolian Eagle exercises, near the central Turkish city of Konya on Monday.

A total of 83 jets, most from Turkey, are engaging in live bombing and strafing in a realistic training environment with simulated surface-to-air missiles confronting aggressors. The exercises are similar to the Red Flag training at the Nellis Air Force Base in the US state of Nevada.

The aerial battles are recorded on tape so pilots can study errors that could have killed them in real combat. The drill will continue through Friday.

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