The “Elephant Walk” is a term used to describe a military exercise where a large number of aircraft take off in close formation. The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate the ability of a military force to quickly mobilize a large number of aircraft in response to a potential threat.
In the context of the United States Air Force, the term “Elephant Walk” typically refers to a takeoff exercise involving a large number of aircraft from a single base. During these exercises, aircraft are typically lined up in a row on the runway, with each plane positioned as close to the one in front of it as possible. The engines are then started in sequence, creating a dramatic display of power as each aircraft takes off in turn.
The Elephant Walk exercise is intended to demonstrate the readiness and capability of the Air Force to project airpower in response to a crisis or threat. These exercises are also used to improve the coordination and communication between different units within the Air Force, as well as to identify areas for improvement in terms of training, equipment, and procedures.
The type of aircraft involved in an Elephant Walk exercise can vary depending on the specific mission and location of the exercise. Generally speaking, the exercise involves military aircraft, primarily those operated by the United States Air Force.
Some of the aircraft commonly involved in Elephant Walk exercises include fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-22 Raptor; strategic bombers such as the B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer; and transport planes such as the C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-135 Stratotanker.
In some cases, Elephant Walk exercises may involve a mix of different types of aircraft, with fighters, bombers, and transport planes all taking part in the exercise. The specific aircraft chosen for a given exercise will depend on a range of factors, including the mission objectives, the availability of aircraft, and the capabilities of the aircraft in question.
While the term “Elephant Walk” originated in the United States Air Force, similar types of military exercises involving large groups of aircraft have been conducted by air forces in Europe as well.
For example, in 2018, the French Air Force conducted an Elephant Walk exercise involving 70 military aircraft, including Mirage 2000 fighter jets, C-135 tanker planes, and C-130 transport planes. The exercise was designed to demonstrate the French Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy a large number of aircraft in response to a crisis or threat.
In addition to France, other European countries have also conducted similar exercises involving large numbers of military aircraft. For example, in 2021, the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom conducted an exercise involving 18 F-35B fighter jets, which were lined up on a runway in a display of air power.
While these exercises are primarily intended to demonstrate military readiness and capabilities, they can also serve as a powerful symbol of deterrence, sending a message to potential adversaries that European air forces are capable of rapidly mobilizing and responding to any threat to the region.
Photo Jeroen Vogelaar
