UK Apache crews prepare for Exercise Defender Europe 20

UK Apache, Wildcat and Chinook helicopters are preparing to take part in Exercise Defender Europe 20 in Germany and Poland in the spring.

Apaches of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps’ 662 Squadron have been carrying out training at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk ahead of the deployment. Training has included the set up of a refuelling point on the STANTA ranges in Norfolk, and the flying of fuel out in a Chinook to top up the tanks of Apaches. On operations, these positions lengthen the range and loiter time of Apaches as they carry out strike missions in support of troops on the ground.

Apaches of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, along with Wildcat reconnaissance helicopters and RAF Chinook support helicopters will be among more than 2,500 British troops to take part in Exercise Defender Europe 20. In total the exercise will see 35,000 troops from 18 nations come together to demonstrate the ability to rapidly surge combat ready forces into and across Europe to support the NATO alliance.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick English, 3 Regt AAC’s Commanding Officer, said: ‘Exercise Defender Europe is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the regiment’s equipment and people. We are deploying as an aviation battle group with Apache attack helicopters, Wildcat reconnaissance helicopters and Chinook support helicopters, to bring the full range of find, strike and lift capabilities provided by helicopters.’