RAF crews have been deployed to the Netherlands, working closely with their Dutch allies in an exercise demonstrating cooperation and readiness between Nato forces.
Hosted at Gilze-Rijen Air Base, Exercise Greyhound Titan saw 18 (Bomber) Squadron, supported by personnel from RAF Odiham, conduct daily flying operations into Germany, supporting the recently concluded Ex Rhino Titan.
Activities included personnel recovery, medical evacuation, uncrewed aircraft systems integration, air assault missions and aviation support to ground forces.
Informing future readiness
A key objective of the Ex Greyhound Titan was to strengthen integration between 18 (B) Sqn and 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army's Global Response Force based at Merville Barracks in Colchester.
It also allowed crews to work alongside Nato allies, namely the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.
Alongside flying operations, the exercise assessed the use of specially prepared dust bowls as a means of supporting environmental qualification and desert operations training.
According to the RAF, it will help inform future methods of maintaining readiness for operations in austere and challenging environments.
"The exercise provided a valuable opportunity to further integrate aviation planning and liaison functions within the 16X construct, reinforcing the importance of early aviation engagement across the Brigade planning cycle," said the chief force coordinator, Group Captain Harris.
"Embedding aviation representation within the supported headquarters significantly enhanced situational awareness, understanding of [the] commander's intent and the ability to align rotary-wing capabilities with emerging operational requirements."
Ready to support
The exercise supported the wider Ex Rhino Titan, a five-day exercise in Germany testing the RAF and British Army's ability to generate and deliver a large-scale airborne force at range.
Involving 16 Air Assault Brigade, it began with a parachute jump - the largest over Europe in 20 years – along with a number of engagements with an enemy force provided by the Gurkhas.
They utilised aeroplanes, helicopters and all the components of a fighting force that packs a serious punch, including German shepherd attack dogs.
Nevertheless, BFBS Forces News Reporter James Wharton, who joined the exercise in Sennelgar, writes that while the training exercise was impressive, it looked very similar to the type of training that has gone on for decades.
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