Tanagra Open Day 2015

Archangel event, Tanagra, Greece, 5-8 November 2015 Every year at the beginning of November the security conscious Hellenic Air Force opens its major air bases to the public. This is in celebration of its Patron Saint Archangel Michael. On the Thursday and Friday the primary audience is school children and at the weekend, the general public. Foreign visitors are welcome but often have their passports copied, or even retained at the gate. There are strict rules; only specifically displayed aircraft can be photographed although preserved airframes may be accessible with special clearance. However, within these guidelines, it provides a great and unusual opportunity to see one of the more powerful air forces in southern Europe.

Elefsis open day 2015

Archangel event, Elefsis, Greece, 5-8 November 2015 Every year at the beginning of November the security conscious Hellenic Air Force opens its major air bases to the public. This is in celebration of its Patron Saint Archangel Michael. On the Thursday and Friday the primary audience is school children and at the weekend, the general public. Foreign visitors are welcome but often have their passports copied, or even retained at the gate. There are strict rules; only specifically displayed aircraft can be photographed although preserved airframes may be accessible with special clearance. However, within these guidelines, it provides a great and unusual opportunity to see one of the more powerful air forces in southern Europe.

Kalamata open day 2015

Archangel event, Kalamata, Greece, 5-8 November 2015 Every year at the beginning of November the security conscious Hellenic Air Force opens its major air bases to the public. This is in celebration of its Patron Saint Archangel Michael. On the Thursday and Friday the primary audience is school children and at the weekend, the general public. Foreign visitors are welcome but often have their passports copied, or even retained at the gate. There are strict rules; only specifically displayed aircraft can be photographed although preserved airframes may be accessible with special clearance. However, within these guidelines, it provides a great and unusual opportunity to see one of the more powerful air forces in southern Europe.

Larissa Open Day 2015

Archangel event, Larissa, Greece, 5-8 November 2015 Every year at the beginning of November the security conscious Hellenic Air Force opens its major air bases to the public. This is in celebration of its Patron Saint Archangel Michael. On the Thursday and Friday the primary audience is school children and at the weekend, the general public. Foreign visitors are welcome but often have their passports copied, or even retained at the gate. There are strict rules; only specifically displayed aircraft can be photographed although preserved airframes may be accessible with special clearance. However, within these guidelines, it provides a great and unusual opportunity to see one of the more powerful air forces in southern Europe.

Anatolian Eagle 15-1

Konya Air Base, Turkey, 8-19 June 2015 Report by Aidan Curley After visiting the US for many years since the 1980s to observe and sometimes participate in Red Flag exercises, the Turkish Air Force formulated a plan to organise a similar set of exercises closer to home with the aim to become one of the most prestigious Tactical Training Centres in the world.

Tactical Leadership Programme TLP15-3

Albacete, Spain, 14/9 - 9/10, 2015 The TLP exercises occur four times a year in southern Spain benefitting from clear skies and better weather than was the case at their previous location in Florennes, Belgium. They provide an ideal opportunity for the Air Forces of NATO nations to co-operate in both mission planning and execution. Normally two missions are flown daily providing a welcome opportunity for photographers to capture fast jets in a fairly predictable and safe environment. The base and the local population are to be congratulated on their tolerance and understanding.

Red Flag Alaska 15-2

Elmendorf and Eielson AFB, Alaska, USA, 30/4-15/5 2015 Report by Aidan Curley Three times a year Red Flag Alaska (RFA) military exercises are held at the two main bases of Eielson and Elmendorf-Richardson just outside Fairbanks and Anchorage respectively. Originally named Cope Thunder, the Pacific Air Forces sponsored exercise was moved to Eielson from Clark Air Base, Philippines in 1992 after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo on June 15, 1991 forced the curtailment of operations. Cope Thunder was re-designated Red Flag Alaska in 2006.