RAF Typhoons from Romania take part in large NATO exercise in North Macedonia

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

RAF Typhoons deployed in Romania, as part of Operation BILOXI, have flown to North Macedonia to take part in Exercise Swift Response, a major NATO exercise. 

The Typhoons, from 3 (Fighter) Squadron, are currently based at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania as part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, providing enhanced Air Policing and enhanced Vigilance Activities alongside the Romanian Air Force and on behalf of NATO.

 During the exercise, the Typhoons joined over 40 other aircraft operating over the Krivolak training area in North Macedonia.  The RAF Typhoons conducted a simulated Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance sortie, together with Close Air Support training with two AH-64 Apache aircraft from Aviation Task Force 1 of the British Army.

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

"Conducting coordinated strikes between Typhoon and Apache proved to be excellent training, and helped to develop understanding on both sides of the utility of two very different aircraft, and their capabilities."

Flight Lieutenant Travers, Typhoon Pilot.

The Exercise had begun with a High-Altitude Low Opening parachute jump from a C-17 Globemaster by British Army Pathfinders.  After landing, other airborne forces then also landed to seize ground positions and then defend them.  It was during these defensive operations that the Typhoons participated in the exercise.

Photo RAF / Crown copyright

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