Department-Level Exercise (DLE) Series

Through this series, the Department of the Air Force is preparing to be a stronger, more lethal deterrent force, to provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries across all domains, and to ensure regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The DLE series will incorporate multiple command exercises into one overall threat deterrence scenario, including Resolute Force Pacific (REFORPAC), Resolute Space, Mobility Guardian, Emerald Warrior and Bamboo Eagle 25-3.

It will also integrate multiple allies and partners in specific component exercises with shared interests. Partner integration is critical to U.S. efforts to ensure regional and global peace and stability and provides a decisive advantage against complex threats.

22th ARW KC-135s aerial refuel F-35s during DLE 2025

Air Mobility Command

Video by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh

July 10, 2025 | 4:15

A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft operated by aircrew assigned to the 350th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, refuels F-35 Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 176th Fighter Squadron, Wisconsin Air National Guard over the Pacific Ocean, July 11, 2025. This flight mission is part of the U.S. Air Force's 2025 Department-Level Exercise series, designed to strengthen and showcase its ability to operate at speed and scale, sustain prolonged operations, and rapidly shift across any theater. The DLE series encompasses all branches of the Department of Defense, along with Allies and partners, employing more than 400 joint and coalition aircraft and more than 12,000 personnel across more than 50 locations across 3,000 miles. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh) More