EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- U.S. Pacific Air Forces’ Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex recently received its first of several advanced emitters designed to replicate enemy surface-to-air missile threats.
The state-of-the-art emitter, nicknamed “YETI,” enhances the 354th Fighter Wing’s ability to train and integrate advanced operations for Alaska-based units, the joint force and international allies and partners by training pilots and aircrews to detect and destroy SAMs.
“The YETI is an exciting addition to our range’s capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Eric Ringelstetter, 354th Range Squadron director of operations. “Its ability to represent relevant SAM radars on the ground will allow us to facilitate more modernized, advanced training to those who use the range from across the area of responsibility. The investment helps ensure the JPARC remains relevant into the future and that our units are getting training at the level they really need.”
The advanced emitter was produced through an ongoing partnership between PACAF, the Australian Active Electronically-Scanned Array Systems Program Office and the U.S. Army Threat System Management Office. This emitter and the others that will follow support a continued commitment to ensure the JPARC remains relevant in training both the largest U.S. Air Force contingent of permanently-based fifth-generation fighters local to Alaska as well as allies and partners during regular exercises such as RED FLAG-Alaska.
The 354th Range Squadron is focused on ensuring this emitter is ready to participate with other existing JPARC SAM simulators this summer for RF-A exercises and 11th Air Force fighter integration. The squadron’s work secures the JPARC’s unique designation as one of two ranges categorized as an Air Combat Command Threat Matrix Framework Level Four Capability, along with the Nevada Test and Training Range.
“The new advanced threats we’re receiving will take our training to the next level,” said Ringelstetter. “We are already privileged with a strategic location and incredible airspace. The addition of these new emitters will build on those strengths by ensuring pilots and aircrews receive modern, advanced training that will make them more effective when they face threats in combat scenarios. For us, that readiness directly translates to survivability and lethality of our forces when they’re needed in this AOR or others.”