Britain shows off ‘full force’ helicopter air power

The UK’s most advanced rotary-wing pilots have begun Exercise Hades Warrior, a demanding two-week assessment designed to qualify them as weapons and tactics instructors across all three services.

Held at RAF Leeming and run by 22 Squadron, the exercise brings together Chinooks, Merlins, Apaches and Wildcats from across the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force and the Army and RAF’s Joint Aviation Command. The goal: to certify ten pilots and aircrew as Qualified Weapons Instructors (QWIs) and Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructors (QHTIs).

All eyes on the skies 🚁
Hades Warrior brings together the full force of UK rotary aviation in a complex joint training environment.
We are proud to support alongside @845NAS & @847NAS as two of our senior QHIs are in the final stages of their QHTI journey, best of luck from all… pic.twitter.com/GKW84E4NDp

— 846 Naval Air Squadron (@846NAS) July 15, 2025

“We have designed the course to upskill frontline rotary pilots and rear crew to instruct war-fighting disciplines. Training in a tri-service environment helps sharpen the interoperable capabilities of Joint Aviation Command assets, including Merlins, Chinooks, Apaches and Wildcats,” said Squadron Leader Macgillivray, 22 Squadron Exercise Lead and Flight Commander Tactics.

Participants face a mix of complex mission sets, including electronic warfare, air assault, and air-to-air combat scenarios. These are made more difficult by the rugged North Yorkshire terrain, forcing crews to navigate and fight in realistic, high-pressure environments.

All students are serving aviators from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF. Once qualified, they will return to their squadrons as tactical leaders, guiding flying operations and developing aircrew across the services.

846 Naval Air Squadron posted during the exercise, “Hades Warrior brings together the full force of UK rotary aviation in a complex joint training environment… two of our senior QHIs are in the final stages of their QHTI journey, best of luck from all of us!”

RAF Benson, home of 22 Squadron and a key hub for joint helicopter operations, plays a central role in hosting Hades Warrior and broader UK rotary capability. The base also supports civilian operations including the National Police Air Service and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.