American F‑16 dons Russian colors in dramatic training exercise
In the United States, one of the most significant military exercises, Red Flag 25-1, organized by Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, is currently underway. The event will continue until February 14, and its participants are honing their skills through realistic scenarios that simulate battlefield conditions. An unusual photo has surfaced on the internet illustrating this exercise. It shows an American F-16 fighter jet painted in the colors of a Russian Su-57 Felon fighter.
The photo, shared on the official Nellis Base profile on X and highlighted by the Bulgarian Military service, features an F-16 painted in the characteristic Su-57 camouflage. Notably, this isn't the first time an American fighter jet has been seen in such colors.
American F-16 in unusual paint scheme
These colors are part of a training strategy aimed at closely replicating the conditions of a potential conflict. The 64th Aggressor Squadron from Nellis Base, responsible for simulating enemy tactics, uses paint schemes similar to Russian aircraft to familiarize pilots with the appearance of a real threat in the sky.
This approach helps reduce the effect of the so-called "buck fever" — a momentary loss of concentration upon seeing an enemy, as explained by Bulgarian Military. By regularly training with aircraft that resemble those of potential adversaries, pilots manage pressure more effectively and react more swiftly in real combat situations.
Interestingly, the choice of the specific camouflage pattern was the result of a contest announced in 2019 by Gen. Rob Novotny on the social media of the 57th Fighter Wing, to which the 64th Aggressor Squadron belongs. From several proposals, a design inspired by the Su-57 was selected, demonstrating how modern technologies and community engagement influence military decisions.
Su-57 - Russian 5th generation fighter jet
Despite the structural differences between the F-16 and the Su-57, the American fighter performs excellently as a simulated adversary. Its agility and combat capabilities allow for realistic reenactment of situations pilots might encounter in real combat against the Russian fifth-generation fighter.
The Su-57 was designed by the Sukhoi design bureau with air dominance and the execution of complex strike missions in mind. The fighter first took to the skies in 2010, and its development has sparked considerable interest both in Russia and around the world from the beginning. This aircraft was created as a response to the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
The Su-57 is approximately 66 feet long with a wingspan of about 46 feet and supposedly uses stealth technology, according to the Russians. It is powered by two AL-41F1 engines, which are expected to be replaced in the future by a new unit known as "Product 30." The fighter can reach a maximum speed of around 1,615 mph and can cruise at supersonic speeds without the use of an afterburner—a key feature of fifth-generation fighters. The combat range of the Su-57 is about 932 miles, and its total range without air refueling is nearly 2,175 miles.
The aircraft is equipped with modern avionics systems, including an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, which allows for the detection and tracking of multiple targets simultaneously. These systems assist the pilot in managing complex combat environments, enabling simultaneous air combat and strike missions. The Su-57 can carry a wide array of armaments, both in internal weapon bays and on external mounts. Its arsenal includes long and short-range air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles, and precision-guided bombs.
