555th Fighter Squadron readies for Combat Archer UK

U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Dudunakis, 555th Fighter Squadron pilot, readies an F-16 Fighting Falcon before takeoff during Combat Archer UK at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 9, 2025. Pilots from the 555th Fighter Squadron launched numerous sorties to test and evaluate multiple areas of operations, from missile employment to aerial gunnery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)

555th Fighter Squadron readies for Combat Archer UK

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies through the sky as it prepares to practice integrated air and missile defense during Combat Archer UK at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 9, 2025. IAMD is crucial in the current environment that is characterized by the rapid increase of various types of manned and unmanned air assets and missiles and the high price of combating them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)

555th Fighter Squadron readies for Combat Archer UK

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Logan Millman, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew member, disarms an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 555th Fighter Squadron after landing for Combat Archer UK at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 8, 2025. Combat Archer UK was designed to test both the 555th FS and FGS’s skills needed for wartime operational mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)

555th Fighter Squadron readies for Combat Archer UK

From left, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Dimitri Rojas and Senior Airman Logan Millman, 555th Fighter Generation Squadron weapons load crew members, marshal and disarm a 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon before the start of Combat Archer UK at RAF Lakenheath, England, April 8, 2025. Combat Archer UK was designed to test both the 555th FS and FGS’s skills needed for wartime operational mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Jakel)

Headquarters USAFE holds Largest Combat Readiness Exercise in Europe

Published April 11, 2025
By USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

USAFE holds full evaluation to deliver an end-to-end assessment of the kill chain in a realistic combat environment for the 555th Fighter Squadron out of Aviano Air Base.
“Holding the exercise in the European area of responsibility provides significant strategic advantages, reducing the need for transatlantic aircraft movements and resulting in substantial cost savings,” General James B. Hecker, USAFE Commander

Ramstein Air Base, Germany – Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe- Air Forces Africa will conduct its largest Air-to-Air Weapons System Evaluation Program exercise at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, to assess and enhance operational fighter squadrons’ readiness for combat operations.

This WSEP, dubbed Combat Archer, provides a comprehensive evaluation of all phases of combat operations. From weapons loading to aircraft and aircrew performance, this evaluation will deliver an end-to-end assessment of the kill chain in a realistic combat environment for the 555th Fighter Squadron out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, the “Triple Nickel” squadron that provides combat airpower on demand for U.S. and NATO commanders with 21 F-16s.

“By simulating real-world engagements, Combat Archer ensures aircrews and maintenance personnel are prepared for actual combat scenarios,” said Gen. James B. Hecker, USAFE-AFAFRICA commander. “This approach enables a full evaluation of the weapon system from start to finish. It will look at how we store and move weapons. How our munitions professionals build and load them on aircraft. How the jet and its systems perform. How the pilots adhere to procedures.”

By doing a full evaluation, the exercise allows the Air Force to validate new tactics and ensure, in a training environment, that techniques and technology are examined and ready for use in a contingency situation, enhancing the Air Force’s operational effectiveness and lethality.

This iteration of Combat Archer will also integrate munitions, such as the AGR-20 FALCO laser-guided rocket, to practice countering one-way attack drones.

To examine and validate munitions drop practices, USAFE will utilize a military training range in Wales. These drops allow examiners to identify any weapons issues that can be mitigated later by munitions professionals.

Additionally, holding the evaluation for USAFE aircraft in the UK is cheaper than flying those aircraft back to the United States, where refueling tankers and fuel can be cost prohibitive.

“Holding the exercise in the European area of responsibility provides significant strategic advantages, reducing the need for transatlantic aircraft movements and resulting in substantial cost savings,” Hecker said.

In the United States, WSEP evaluations are held at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, and Hill Air Force Base, Utah, because they have the telemetry requirements needed to test the missiles in flight.

Through rigorous evaluations and strategic, cost-effective practices, Combat Archer ensures U.S. forces remain prepared to meet any challenge. It is a cornerstone of the Air Force’s commitment to readiness and efficiency, and this year’s exercise will serve to set the groundwork for future WSEP evaluations.