The Royal Air Force’s Deputy Commander (Capability), and the Chief of the Air Staff designate, Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, has visited RAF personnel deployed on Operation AZOTIZE.
Air Marshal Knighton visited both RAF and German Air Force personnel who have been operating as an integrated force since the start of March conducting the Combined NATO Air Policing mission in Estonia. He attended an interoperability performance brief delivered by the German Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Hachmeister, and discussed areas of strength, as well as for improvement, as the two detachments continue to operate as a combined force.
It was a pleasure to meet personnel of the RAF’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing and the German Air Force deployed to Amari Air Base. This impressive display of air power overseas, interoperating with our German allies and NATO partners, is an important demonstration of our agility and commitment to bolstering security in the Baltic Region.
I have the utmost confidence that our people and capability will continue to perform with the effectiveness and resilience that these increasingly challenging times demand.
Air Marshal Sir Richard Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff Designate
During his visit, Air Marshal Knighton also watched a Quick Reaction Alert training scramble involving both RAF and German Eurofighter Typhoons. The demonstration showcases the interoperable capabilities that both Air Forces have now embraced, enabling them to progress further in future collaborative operations.
It was brilliant to showcase the cutting edge of the RAF’s operational commitment overseas to the Deputy Commander of the RAF and next Chief of the Air Staff.
To be able to promote elements of the future Agile Combat Employment model that we are pioneering from here in Estonia to Air Marshal Knighton was hugely beneficial, and I believe will serve the RAF and its allies extremely well moving forward into future collaborative operations and exercises.
Wing Commander Maccoll
Commanding Officer, 140 Expeditionary Air Wing
The Agile Combat Employment model will enable greater flexibility in the RAF’s forward deployment capabilities and 140 Expeditionary Air Wing are leading the development of this model as the RAF continues its NATO deployment in Estonia.
The Royal Air Force and German Air Force are currently deployed on NATO’s Combined Air Policing Mission in Estonia. They have been operating alongside each other for seven weeks and will continue to do so until the end of April when the Germans will depart. The RAF will then continue the mission of securing the Baltic skies as the sole nation until August.
