Royal Air Force Lossiemouth based Typhoons have joined NATO Allies to take part in exercises in Lithuania and Estonia.
The Typhoon jets from 1 (Fighter) Squadron, joined aircraft from Belgium, Spain, France and the Czech Republic to take part in Exercise Vigilant Falcon in Lithuania. As part of the exercise, the Typhoons carried out both simulated air combat and air strikes to support land forces.
During the exercise the RAF Typhoons were controlled from the Lithuanian Armed Forces Air Operations Centre, where RAF Weapons Controllers were embedded. In addition to the aircraft taking part, elements of the UK led Joint Expeditionary Force and a contingent from the United States Marine Corps who are currently serving in Lithuania, took part in the exercise.
Following the conclusion of the exercise the 1 (F) Squadron Typhoons returned to the region to take part in the ongoing and long planned Exercise Hedgehog. This Exercise, that is being held in Estonia, is the largest conducted in the country since it regained its independence in 1991. The Exercise is led by the Estonia Defence Forces and rehearses the response, together with NATO Allies to an attack on the country.
During this exercise the 1 (F) Squadron jets again carried out close air support and air defence sorties in support of the land component, including the British Army led battlegroup which is integrated into the Estonian Defence forces.
"In addition to carrying out our UK based Quick Reaction Alert duties and flying sorties as part of the NATO Enhanced Vigilance mission over Eastern Europe, this provides an excellent training opportunity in a Joint environment to enable us to maintain some of our skills across the multiple roles that the Typhoon is able to undertake."
Wing Commander Cockroft
Officer Commanding 1(F) Squadron
For the exercises, the Typhoons operated from RAF Lossiemouth and were supported by air to air refuelling provided by RAF Brize Norton based Voyager aircraft. Such capabilities demonstrate the ability of the RAF Typhoon Force to operate at extended range from home bases and project air power in support of land forces around the world.
Read more about the role of an RAF Weapons Controllers
