It's Army versus Army as Apaches try to attack, while Stormers aim to defend
The Army's aviation specialists have been enhancing their ability to defend against aerial threats with a huge exercise in northern England.
Exercise Pinion Titan saw the Royal Artillery's air defence units and the Army Air Corps' helicopters fight it out to ensure these battle-winning assets can be used effectively if needed.
French and US forces have also been taking part in the training which involves around 50 helicopters, 1,000 vehicles and 2,000 soldiers.
High readiness
Personnel from the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Armee de Terre and the US Army have all been participating in the exercise at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria.
Among them are the troops of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, who stand at Nato high readiness – meaning they must be prepared if they're deployed at short notice.
Major Ed Fry said: "Air power can completely change what happens on the battlefield, whether you're striking an enemy or stopping them from hitting you.
"So air defence, at the moment, is in huge demand and so we're seeing its demand all around the world, particularly in Cabrit [the UK's contribution to Nato land forces in Estonia and Poland] and eastward-facing locations.
"We are ready today, and the weapon system we've got is able to battle the threats that we've got."
Taking the fight to the enemy
The Stormer armoured vehicle is the Army's only ground-based air defence vehicle platform to take down aerial threats.
Armed with high-speed missiles, its rapid response capability is a crucial part in defending against traditional aircraft as well as the emerging danger posed by drone warfare.
Up against the Gunners were the aircraft of 656 Squadron of 4 Regiment Army Air Corps as the unit trains on deep-strike missions – operating from forward arming and refuelling points (FARPS) to take the fight to the enemy.
Lieutenant Jamie Warren said: "We will rearm and refuel the aircraft as they come through onto target.
"It allows them to strike deeper into the enemy's area of operations. Air power is a battle-winning asset. The Apache helicopter obviously is one of our biggest strike assets.
"It's really, really important that we are able to command and control all of our aircraft, the Apaches, the Wildcats and the Gazelles that we have with us to ensure that they all work in tandem to deliver the best possible effect."
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