Bahrain —
The 9th Air Force (Air Force Central), 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, and 379th Air Expeditionary Wing conduct Ballast Cannon 24.3 alongside the Bahrain Air Force in Bahrain from Jan. 6-12, 2023.
As a regular training exercise conducted approximately quarterly with the Bahrain Air Force, this iteration will improve the U.S. Air Force’s rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotankers, and agile combat employment objectives for operational support personnel. Support your abilities.
This bilateral exercise focuses on strengthening ties between allied forces and building the foundation for future operations in support of the integrated defense of the Arabian Peninsula. Training objectives that will benefit both countries include aerial refueling, coalition command and control, and tactical integration.
“Through decades of collaboration and cooperation with our great partners in the region, we have built important relationships and strengthened our ability to integrate and leverage air power across the coalition,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Quaid Quadri, commander, 378th Air Expeditionary Wing.
“Together with our allies and partners, we will continue to maintain and advance the durable institutions and networks necessary to remain agile and effective,” Quadri continued. “By constantly integrating with our partners at the tactical edge while testing our expeditionary capabilities, we remain prepared and develop an operational approach that not only complicates our adversary’s problems but maintains strategic advantage.” We are developing.”
The long-standing relationships that the U.S. Air Force has built within the U.S. Central Command area of jurisdiction allow for regular, routine training that improves the coalition’s ability to be a seamless operating force across all warfighting areas.
Incorporating agile combat employment concepts into the Ballast Cannon series supports combined training and operations focused on strengthening strategic basing capabilities and enhancing coalition interoperability.
US Air Force Technology. Sgt. John Rehbig, F-16 crew chief, guides a U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon to a parking space at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area, Jan. 6, 2024. Ballast cannon training is held regularly, approximately every quarter. In collaboration with the Bahrain Air Force, we support the U.S. Air Force’s rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotankers, and agile combat employment objectives for operational support personnel. The long-standing relationships that the U.S. Air Force has built within his CENTCOM AOR allow for regular, routine training that improves the coalition’s ability to be a seamless operating force across all warfighting areas. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sarah Williams)