American Fighters Conduct Live Missile Exercises
The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group hosted an exercise, bringing together fifth-generation F-22 Raptors and F-35A Lightning IIs, as well as legacy aircraft like the F-15C Eagle, F-15EX Eagle II, F-15E Strike Eagle, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
The exercise allowed participating squadrons to evaluate combat readiness through live missile launches against drone targets.
“WSEP is a very powerful exercise,” said Tech. Brandon Murdaugh, 83rd Fighter Squadron weapons system program evaluator. “It’s one of the only exercises where live-fire missile testing is a regular activity. It gives units an opportunity to showcase their maintenance and combat capabilities.
The training enables aircrews, maintainers, and weapons teams to operate in realistic combat scenarios while validating missile performance.
Author's summary: American fighters conduct live missile exercises over the Gulf Coast.
- F-22 Raptors
- F-35A Lightning IIs
- F-15C Eagle
- F-15EX Eagle II
- F-15E Strike Eagle
- F-16 Fighting Falcon