Operation Hades Warrior tests helicopter crews

ARMY, NAVY AND RAF TRAIN TOGETHER

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

MEMBERS of the Royal Navy have flown helicopter missions alongside the Army and RAF. Royal Navy aviators flew low-level sorties in a contested environment without GPS, evading detection, carrying out helicopter assaults and rescuing stranded personnel.

The programme took place during a fortnight of training in North Yorkshire. In a release, the Royal Navy said: “Yeovilton-based Commando Helicopter Force took part in Exercise Hades Warrior at RAF Leeming as pilots from across the Royal Navy, Army and RAF completed assessments to become qualified weapons and tactics instructors for their squadrons.

“Three Wildcats from 847 Naval Air Squadron and a Merlin Mk4 from 845 Naval Air Squadron took part alongside Chinook and Apache aircraft in the fortnight workout that ultimately means that the UK's helicopter squadrons are operating to the same exacting standards.