# air combat

Why the U.S. Is Dressing Its ‘Aggressors’ as Chinese Fifth‑Gen Fighters

U.S. and U.K. forces used F‑35Bs to simulate Chinese fifth‑generation fighters during a Red Flag exercise at Nellis, part of a broader effort by the reactivated 65th “Invaders” squadron to model J‑20/J‑35 tactics. The practice underscores Washington’s shift to China‑focused high‑end training while highlighting the limits of surrogate aircraft in fully reproducing adversary capabilities.