May 21, 2020
Mock the Week, with Typhoons
Royal Air Force Typhoons have carried out mock air attacks to test the defences of NATO warships operating in the Baltic Sea
The RAF Typhoons from 6 Sqn are currently based at Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, with 135 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), to primarily conduct NATO Air Policing mission.
- Typhoons head to Lithuania
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In addition to this mission, the RAF are also conducting training activities and exercises with other NATO allies and regional partners.
The training exercise saw the Typhoons being used to test the air defences of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 Task Force.
The NATO ships were subjected to simulated air attack from high-performance fighter aircraft and air-launched anti-ship missiles.
The training can provide a realistic simulation of some of the most dynamic threats that NATO warships can face.
“Flying at low-level over the sea is a complex and dangerous environment. If you lose concentration, even for a moment, the results can be catastrophic, let alone when you’re performing aggressive and dynamic manoeuvres.”
— Royal Navy Typhoon pilot
This valuable training allows them to test every layer of their defences, whether it’s their advanced surface-to-air weaponry or the more traditional upper deck gun crews.
The RAF Typhoons had an unusual advantage as the pilot leading the planning for the exercise is a Royal Navy Officer on exchange with the RAF.
Having trained as a Warfare Officer before becoming a fast-jet pilot, his previous experience means he understands the challenges of both the air and maritime elements of the exercise.
“Having experienced this from the other side I can appreciate the workload the ship’s company were under. Watching them manoeuvre on the attack runs was an incredible sight and certainly isn’t something you get to see every day.”
— Royal Navy Typhoon pilot
See the Typhoons in action below👇
135 EAW will be supporting wider NATO training activities alongside their Baltic Air Policing mission.
The Typhoon pilots will be conducting Air Defence, Close Air Support and Air Combat training with NATO partners, this ensures all RAF personnel maintain their own skill levels and demonstrates the UK’s leading role in NATO and within the region.
