Typhoons from 6 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Regiment Joint Terminal Attack Controllers have been providing close air support to ground forces on a multinational exercise in northwest Poland.
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The ground force comprised of units from the United Kingdom, United States and Poland. Controllers from each nation worked with Polish SU-22s and F-16s, US MQ-9 and UK Typhoon to give the pilots and ground forces the opportunity to practice operating with different allied aircraft.
The RAF Regiment controllers are currently attached to the 1 Royal Welsh Battle Group based in Tapa, Estonia. On the exercise they were supported by Polish observers who deployed in forward positions to relay targeting information. The teams used a ground-based laser designator to identify targets for Paveway IV guided bombs.
The Typhoons transited to the training area from RAF Lossiemouth and established communication links with the allied ground forces. The controllers then coordinated with the aircraft to locate and target simulated enemy positions.
It has been a great opportunity to work with the Polish Army to improve interoperability, we have really enjoyed sharing knowledge.
Flight Lieutenant Parsons
RAF Regiment Controller
The Typhoons were supported by a UK Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton, which provided air-to-air refuelling to extend the duration of the air combat sorties.