Army Apaches Work With Navy Wildcats In Arctic Circle

Apache helicopters from the British Army have been on exercise with aircrew from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in the Arctic Circle.

The Apaches have been working alongside Commando Helicopter Force Wildcats from 847 Naval Air Squadron ahead of Exercise Cold Response. 

It is only the second time the Apaches have operated in the Arctic Circle and the aircraft have now fired Hellfire missiles in the region for the first time.

The Hellfire is a precision missile used to strike ground and maritime targets, according to the Navy. 

Officer Commanding, 656 Squadron, Major Huw Raikes, said: "The extreme cold presents unique differences to the way we operate but we developed ways to overcome the human, engineering and flying challenges. 

"This year we have developed new ways to fight the aircraft.

"This has relied immensely on the support of the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force, who have a long experience of operating in the Arctic that has been generously shared.

"Firing Hellfire missiles for the first time is a significant milestone in proving the capability of the aircraft in this environment."

656 Squadron and its Apaches have been providing air support during the Norwegian-led exercise.

A total of 15,000 troops from 10 nations are involved in Exercise Cold Response.

Cover image: A Wildcat and an Apache conduct a training sortie together (Picture: Royal Navy).