The Royal Air Force played a part in Exercise Swift Response 2025, a large-scale NATO airborne exercise running from 11 to 31 May.
The training event is part of the broader DEFENDER 25 series, which is aimed at strengthening the alliance’s deterrence posture and improving the ability of member nations to operate together in response to emerging security challenges.
Exercise Swift Response focuses on rapid deployment and interoperability, with participating forces conducting airborne operations across the High North and Baltic region. The RAF is supporting British Army Paratroopers with its A400M Atlas transport aircraft, used to conduct low-level parachute drops during the exercise. RAF Parachute Jump Instructors are also involved in facilitating the airborne insertions.
British forces are operating alongside troops from multiple NATO countries, including the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division. The combined parachute drops form part of a broader scenario designed to test coordination, mobility, and integration between allied airborne units.
In addition to parachuting drills, the exercise includes live-fire training and logistical demonstrations. One such demonstration involves the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s use of drones to deliver blood supplies in austere conditions, highlighting a growing interest in technology to support forward medical operations.
Exercise Swift Response is one of several DEFENDER 25 activities designed to validate NATO’s ability to move forces quickly across Europe in support of collective defence. The RAF’s participation reflects its role in enabling air mobility and contributing to multinational operational readiness.
