Support Helicopter Force takes part in Exercise Hades Warrior at RAF Leeming

Rotary Assets from across the Joint Aviation Command (JAC) including Apache, Chinook, Wildcat, and Merlin, have come together at RAF Leeming to take part in the very first Exercise Hades Warrior under Aviation Task Force (Support Helicopter) Headquarters (ATF(SH)). 

Bringing together aircraft, personnel and many Force Elements, from across the JAC, Exercise Hades Warrior saw aircraft from all over the country, including Apache from 7 Army Air Corps, Chinook from 27 Squadron RAF Odiham, Merlin from the Commando Helicopter Force, and Wildcat from 847 Naval Air Squadron, all under the leadership of the ATF(SH) and evaluation of 22 Squadron, RAF Benson. Key life support was provided by 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS), who provided over 7000 delicious hot and cold meals of the highest quality.

The Exercise saw over 200 Pilots, Aircrew, and ground support staff, deployed to the Northern HAS Site of RAF Leeming over a two-week period. Running daily flying sorties across the north of England and into Scotland, the exercise provided first-in-class training for Aircrew and a golden opportunity to showcase JAC, and enablers, as a vital element of the UK’s readiness and capability on Joint Operations and the Joint Service nature of bringing all Force Elements under a single Command.

Wing Commander Green, OC 22 Squadron said:  “Exercise Hades Warrior promised a fantastic opportunity to enhance JAC capability and readiness by refreshing, honing, and enhancing high-end warfighting skills, and for 22 Squadron to develop the next generation of tri-service rotary tactics instructors in a collaborative training environment.  Enabled by the hard work of many across enabling units, in JAC and at RAF Leeming, the Ex very much delivered on that promise."

Led by ATF(SH) HQ personnel deployed from RAF Benson FHQ and 22 Squadron, the exercise is the dedicated annual flying phase of the JAC Qualified Weapons Instructor (Helicopter) (QWI(H)) course. It is the primary training event to QWI(H)s, who are the tactical experts in how to utilise JAC platforms in a warfighting context. Flight Lieutenant Nicholson, part of the ATF(SH) HQ said: “…it was a vital occasion to exploit joint training opportunities for all Force Enablers and C2 functions. We aim to ensure this spotlight exercise will build on tactical skills to strengthen our position to support future and ongoing Operations during uncertain times."

Operating from the North, also provided rare and important opportunities to work with, and alongside British Army units based locally. With limited exposure to each other on a day-to-day basis, rotary platforms were able to provide a number of sorties across the two weeks to Infantry Units, providing troop movement flights for the Guards Training Coy, Infantry Training Coy and 1 Royal Lancers. Providing important experience for both sides is essential for future deployed operations.  

Exercise Hades Warrior also bought together Operational support units from across the Armed Forces. Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) from MOD Stafford delivered more than 200,000Kgs of fuel to rotary wing platforms at RAF Leeming but also to the non-established locations which included RAF Spadeadam, vital for the exercise output. 244 Signals Unit, Communications and Cyber Specialists, were supported by the Mission Support Team from RAF Benson, led by Flight Lieutenant Nichol, provided satellite communications, secure communications, and essential Wi-Fi connectivity.

The exercise also provided a critical training opportunity, for ATF(SH) personnel and their ability to rapidly deploy, and to austere locations; ahead of their holding at high readiness this year, for deployment to provide humanitarian relief during hurricane season in the British Overseas Territories. 

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