California, August 28 - In a groundbreaking exercise conducted in August 2025, the Air National Guard, in collaboration with the Air Force Reserve and U.S. Navy, executed a first-of-its-kind combat defense test pitting an F-15D Eagle fighter jet against two helicopters over a maritime environment. The test involved an HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 129th Rescue Wing, based at Moffett Air National Guard Base in Mountain View, California, and an HH-60W Jolly Green II from the 305th Rescue Squadron, part of the 943rd Rescue Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The F-15D, operated by the 144th Fighter Wing from Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, simulated real-world aerial threats to evaluate the helicopters’ defensive capabilities. This exercise, supported by the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) and the Naval Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, aimed to assess the effectiveness of helicopter countermeasures against modern fighter aircraft in a maritime setting, a scenario critical for enhancing the survivability of rescue helicopters in contested environments.
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The primary focus of the test was to evaluate the helicopters’ electronic countermeasures, which are designed to disrupt enemy sensors and weapons systems. The HH-60G Pave Hawk deployed countermeasure flares during the exercise, a tactic intended to confuse and evade the F-15D’s targeting systems. The HH-60W Jolly Green II, a newer platform being integrated by the 129th Rescue Wing as it transitions from the older HH-60G, underwent its first evaluation of this kind. According to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Don Smith, AATC HH-60 Division deputy director, the test data collected will be instrumental in determining the effectiveness of U.S. countermeasures against fighter aircraft over water. This information is expected to inform future training protocols and equipment upgrades, enhancing the helicopters’ ability to survive in high-threat scenarios. The involvement of Modern Technology Solutions Inc., based in Las Vegas, provided critical electronic warfare analysis support, underscoring the technical complexity of the exercise.
This exercise highlighted the unique challenges faced by Air National Guard units, which often have fewer specialized training opportunities compared to active-duty counterparts but are tasked with executing the same critical missions. Lt. Col. Terry Parham, AATC HH-60 Division director, emphasized that the test not only improved mission effectiveness but also provided invaluable training for Airmen. The collaboration between the 129th Rescue Wing, 144th Fighter Wing, and the Air Force Reserve’s 305th and 943rd Maintenance Squadrons demonstrated seamless inter-unit and inter-service cooperation. Logistical challenges, such as equipment preparation, were overcome by the 943rd Maintenance Squadron, showcasing the dedication and readiness of reserve forces. The maritime environment added a layer of complexity, as it simulated conditions relevant to operations in regions like the Indo-Pacific, where the U.S. Air Force has been increasing its focus on large-scale exercises to counter emerging threats.
The significance of this test extends beyond immediate tactical improvements, as it strengthens overall force readiness and interoperability among U.S. military branches. The data gathered will guide the development of strategies to protect rescue helicopters, which are vital for personnel recovery missions in hostile environments. By simulating real-world scenarios, the exercise provided critical insights into how these helicopters can evade or counter advanced fighter aircraft, a capability increasingly relevant in modern warfare. The collaboration with the Naval Air Warfare Center further emphasized the importance of joint operations in addressing complex security challenges. As the Air National Guard continues to modernize, with units like the 129th transitioning to the HH-60W, such tests ensure that personnel and equipment are prepared for the evolving demands of global operations, reinforcing the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining a lethal and ready force.