Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons from IX (B) Squadron, currently deployed in Estonia for the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission, have taken part in a three-day exercise called Bold Hussar.
The training showcased the RAF Typhoons’ ability to switch from world-class fighter jets to highly effective ground attack aircraft.
Exercise Bold Hussar saw the Typhoons collaborate with British, French, and Estonian Defence Force Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) stationed at Tapa in eastern Estonia. The British and French ground forces involved are part of the long-standing NATO Forward Presence mission, supporting the Estonia Defence Force.
During the exercise, Estonian JTACs took charge on the ground, with close support from their NATO allies from the UK and France. The air-to-ground targeting drills demonstrated the RAF’s capacity to accurately strike ground targets.
Flight Lieutenant Wilkinson, an IX (B) Squadron pilot, highlighted the importance of such exercises, stating in a press release, “Exercise Bold Hussar is an example of the Typhoon’s ability to effortlessly switch from being a world-class fighter into a highly effective ground attack aircraft. Exercises like these are key to ensuring our pilots maintain their overall combat readiness.”
The Typhoons from IX (B) Squadron are part of the RAF’s 140 Expeditionary Wing (EAW) and are currently stationed at Amari Air Base in Estonia for Operation Azotize. Here, they continue to conduct NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission alongside German Air Force allies until the end of April. The 140 EAW will carry on with this mission until August when they will hand over to the Spanish Air Force.
Throughout the NATO deployment, RAF personnel will also participate in exercises intended to challenge both personnel and equipment in various high-end warfighting scenarios.
Looking forward to the day when the Finnish Air Force also participates in these exercises, and they fly between Tallinn and Helsinki.
Plenty of fuel available nearby too.
“Nineteen American in-flight refueling aircraft will be stationed at the Powidz Air Base in western Poland. According to the U.S. magazine Stars and Stripes, this is the latest sign that U.S. Armed Forces are shifting combat resources to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.
The U.S. Air Force command in Europe confirmed that on March 10 of this year “American air tankers began working in their new main location in Poland.”
This was done as part of operation “Copper Arrow,” which demonstrated the efforts of the U.S. military command in Europe to “strengthen security on NATO’s eastern flank through forward deployed and stationed forces.”
Foery noted that interoperability is evident when looking “at any photo of a KC-135 refueling a Polish F-16 or a KC-46 refueling a Finnish F/A-18.”
American air tankers KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-10 Extender and the newest in the U.S. Air Force fleet, KC-46 Pegasus, could all be sent to the Powidz Air Base.
The aircraft currently stationed at the Spangdahlem base in Germany, will be transferred to the Powidz air base as Unit 1. As emphasized by the U.S. Air Force leadership, this relocation also demonstrates “the ability of U.S. command to quickly deploy large, credible combat forces and equipment throughout Europe.”
The tankers stationed in Powidz can be used for refueling combat aircraft, including the world’s most advanced fighter jet, the F-35A Lightning II, which extends the range of NATO air missions. Stars and Stripes notes that eight F-35 aircraft of the Dutch Air Force have been stationed in the Malbork air base in Poland for several months.”
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/us-air-force-moves-strategic-air-tankers-germeny-poland
And? You cut and paste previously reported posts and stories! More effort at posting generic non Russian propaganda, continuing the effort at appearing reasonable to newer and less informed and aware contributors, who don’t know your agenda as we do. But, to prove to these new contributors, all you have to do is condemn Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine and call for him to bring his Nazi troops back to pre 2014 borders. Which you won’t, as you can’t!
I posted the story as it was relevant to this thread and I had not seen it reported here or anywhere else (not being a regular Stars and Stripes reader) previously. If it has been here, as you say, please tell me when and I will apologize for wasting everyone’s time.
Like I said more generic crap! You reply with irrelevant nonsense at the same time ignoring the requested reply of condemnation of Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine! You consistently ignore and refuse to condemn the actions of a megalomaniac mass murderer and the disgusting actions of his military! Every time you ignore and refuse, you verify to all you troll status as a leashed Russian puppet. I suppose you also would not condemn Adolf Hitler and his cronies, as their actions are the same.
I perceive some hypocrisy. I write a couple of comments that are on topic and you come back twice with, using your words, “irrelevant nonsense” compounded by your inability to answer my question which implies that the accusation in your first comment was a figment of your imagination.
The last time I checked we have free speech in the UK. Just because you don’t like my comments on what is happening doesn’t mean that they are wrong or that the conclusions you have drawn about me are correct. Or that, yet again, they have any relevance to the thread.
It’s not surprising that Poland is a highly active NATO member and has a growing capability given the historical behaviour of Moscow in its alliance with Hitler and the illegal joint invasion of Poland in 1939. Putins behaviour towards its neighbours means East European members of NATO such as Poland are bound to host NATO multiplier capabilities to help deter Putin from pulling a Stalin and invading them.
Like I said, misdirection and a refusal to condemn Putins illegal invasion and his ongoing atrocities, as per usual! Most amusing comment about not answering your question, as you have NEVER answered the big one many of us ask often, and that is why you do not condemn Putins illegal invasion of Ukraine.
But if you’re happy to support murder, rape of women and children, torture and the illegal invasion of a sovereign nation, then that’s for you to square away in your troll controlled mind! I suppose the Ukrainians deserve it, eh, yeah like the millions murdered by the Nazis……
But on a more amusing note, since this new offensive by your Russian mates has gone so badly, it’s humerus to note your absolute lack of pro Russian propaganda and nonsense claims about Russian plans and capabilities! You are still, and will continue to be a sad, but amusing leashed troll! Make your reply less generic and more direct if your not a troll by condemning what has been spoken about….that’s a no then eh!👜
As a silly question , just how capable are the Spanish and German Eurofighters in the Air to ground role, because I’m led to believe they aren’t as capable as the British and itlalian planes.
They should be broadly comparible – RAF Typhoons were enhanced with the Centurion upgrades regarding A2G,Germany and Spain have a similar upgrade path called Project Odin.
It depends on the air wing, however. The JG71 Richthofen which currently deploys to the Baltic Air Policing is mainly responsible for Air to Air – they flew the Phantom until 2013. Other Eurofighters, for example stationed in Nörvenic, have a multi role mission. Whether this also means there are differences in the different Eurofighters, I do not know.
I pity the fool whose on the end of a 4 ship Typhoon flight with 24 Brimstone enroute to them
Be interesting to know just how well Brimstone has been performing in Ukraine.
You will probably have to give it 10-20 years, but if your patient the truth will ecentually come out, about how well all the western tech performed in practice in ukraine. Until then there is too much information warfare going on to get a realsitic picture. The same as when you look at someone’s Facebook page, it makes them look like they live an amazing life, as they only ever post the positives and hide the negatives.
Probably the first indications will be once the war ends and looking at what kit Ukraine decides to keep in service / order more of Vs what they retire.
Hi folks hope all is well.
As ever, I’m guided by you experts on this site.
What shape s the German Air Force? Given the recent announcement by the German government, there is a large increase in the defence budget. Is the German Air Force, indeed all of it’s military now in good condition?
It wasn’t long ago that the Air Force was in a very bad way, with few deployable air frames and navy with issues of the frigates.
Cheers,
George
Based on what we know and logic while they seem to be moving to eradicate their poor state of affairs proposing big investments and put some initial vital moves into action like F35, it’s going to take years to fully reach the levels they should always have been at. Even the proposed deployable units are going to take years not months to fully realise it seems.