Engineers work through night to ensure Wildcat helicopters arrive for Norway deployment
Wildcat helicopters have been loaded onto Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft for their journey to Norway.
Engineers stationed at RAF Brize Norton worked through the night and fog to board the helicopters onto the long-range, heavy-lift transport aircraft.
It comes after the announcement that more than 1,000 members of the UK Commando Force are deploying to the Arctic Circle for training as the UK underscores its commitment to the security of Nato's northern flank against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Europe.
It will see the Commando Helicopter Force deploying to Bardufoss Air Base as part of Operation Clockwork – their yearly top-up of operating in the deep freeze.
The exercise will test the aviation wing's ability to operate Commando Wildcat and Merlin helicopters in Arctic conditions in one of the world's most inhospitable environments, where temperatures are known to plummet to -35°C and where polar nights mean the sun doesn't 'rise' until the end of January.
The commandos will be sharpening their ability to survive, sustain, move and fight across the tough Arctic terrain as they build up to an exercise that will test the collective ability of allies to defend Norway from invasion.
Wildcat helicopters are highly adaptable, multi-role aircraft operated from Royal Navy frigates and destroyers, offering formidable firepower and cutting-edge technology.
847 Naval Air Squadron is permanently held at Readiness State 2, meaning that it can deploy anywhere in the world within five days.
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