The British Royal Navy and the Royal Marines are working with the British Army’s Apache attack helicopters in the preliminary training preparations for Exercise Cold Response 2020.
Apaches from 656 Squadron have been deployed to work alongside Commando Helicopter Force Wildcats from 847 Naval Air Squadron.
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The deployment has seen navy aviators, marines and commandos get involved in close air support training and use of reconnaissance skills to help locate and destroy targets.
The Apache helicopter made its debut in the arctic mission last year.
Officer commanding major Huw Raikes said: “Last year the squadron learnt how to operate the Apache in the arctic.
“This year we have developed news way 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.”
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By GlobalDataDuring the deployment, the British Army Apache helicopters have also fired the precision Hellfire missiles inside the arctic circle. The Apache helicopter is capable of carrying 16 Hellfire missiles, which are used to hit the ground and maritime targets.
Raikes added: “Firing Hellfire missiles for the first time is a significant milestone in proving the capability of the aircraft in this environment, it’s an achievement that everyone in the Squadron has contributed to and can be rightly proud of.
“We’re now looking forward to flying in support of the Royal Marines and our Nato partners on Exercise Cold Response.”
The Norway-led Exercise Cold Response will see the participation of 14,000 personnel from countries including the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Norway.
