Apr 30, 2019
A Global Force For Good: An operational update
Today the UK Armed Forces are deployed on over 30 operations in as many countries around the globe. Working together alongside our allies they work to prevent conflict, preserve peace and above all, keep Britain safe.
Here’s what they’ve been up to overseas so far in 2019:
- Building Bridges in South Sudan.
Supporting a United Nations mission, the British Army have recently worked alongside the Indian Army to rebuild a damaged bridge in a remote area of the country, thus allowing the Indians to patrol further and the locals freedom of movement in the area once again.
Read the story: Op Trenton - Kodok Part One
2. Defending UK Air Space
Typhoon fighter aircraft scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth in March, with an RAF Voyager from Brize Norton, to monitor two Russian Blackjacks approaching UK airspace.
Find out more about the RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert here: https://www.raf.mod.uk/what-we-do/overview/quick-reaction-alert/
3. Swapping Skills in Iraq
The British Army are currently deployed in Iraq on Operation Shader as part of the wider multinational coalition effort to defeat Daesh. Around 250 soldiers are spending 6 month delivering high quality training to the Iraqi Armed Forces.
4. Flying in Afghanistan
Further strengthening our ability to work closely with our allies, British troops deployed in support of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan trained with the US Army in their Blackhawk helicopters.
5. Training in Estonia
In the bitter winter of Estonia where temperatures reach -10 degrees, British troops took part in Exercise Winter Camp, a culmination of training for the snipers of 1 YORKS in the harsh climate.
Find out more about the NATO deployment here: What is EFP?
6. Countering Daesh in Iraq & Syria
With the recent territorial defeat of Daesh, British fast jets stationed in Cyprus continue to support the international effort to eliminate Daesh. Pictured here is a Eurofighter Typhoon being prepared for a strike mission.
7. Delivering aid in Mozambique
A Royal Air Force aircraft delivered UK aid to the people of Mozambique in March after the cyclone Idai caused devastation in the area.
The flight contained over 7,500 emergency shelter kits and family tents to help during the disaster.
8. Delivering training in Ukraine
A short-term training team is deployed to Ukraine to further develop the skills of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to tackle conflict in the east of their nation.
Here British troops are passing on their knowledge of infantry-focussed tactical skills.
9. Seizing drugs at sea
While deployed on Operation Kipion in the Middle East, HMS Dragon has seized the largest ever amount of illegal drugs on one deployment — a record for the Royal Navy.
Pictured here is a Royal Marine preparing a raiding craft ahead of a seizure. These drug busts prevent illegal drugs being distributed, not only keeping them off the streets but stopping the funding of terrorism too.
10. Supporting allies in Africa
On Operation Newcombe, Royal Air Force pilots and crews are supporting our French allies in their fight against terrorism in North Africa with logistical efforts.
11. Policing the skies to protect our allies
Typhoon fast-jets have arrived in Estonia once again to take over the reigns as part of NATO’s Air Policing mission.
The jets will perform Quick Reaction Alerts to protect the skies in the Baltic region once fully operational. Pictured below are RAF Typhoons with NATO tail insignia training alongside the German Air Force ahead of taking over the mission in Estonia.
To find out more about NATO Air Policing, click here: NATO Air Policing in Romania
