Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 kicks off

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon taxis toward the runway before takeoff during Red Flag-Alaska 26-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 20, 2026. Homeland defense requires layered, integrated operations extending beyond U.S. borders, coordinated across combatant commands and with allied and partner forces. RF-A 26-1 provides realistic air combat training to sustain that capability and support power projection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikaley Kline)