British and French helicopters in huge air assault exercse

A large force of British and French helicopters has launched a major training exercise designed to demonstrate readiness for Nato combat operations.

An initial formation of eight Apache, 10 Wildcat, two Chinook and four Gazelle helicopters carried out an ‘elephant walk’ at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk before lifting off together. Military pilots use that term for a mass taxi and takeoff that shows how well prepared and coordinated air units are.

The exercise, called Pinion Titan, runs through to the end of November.

British and French helicopters took to the skies over Suffolk for Exercise #PinionTitan, a major test of NATO air power and cooperation. Four Gazelles, ten Wildcats, eight Apaches and two Chinooks lifted off in a dramatic ‘elephant walk’. pic.twitter.com/IGI9MzEHvy

— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) November 6, 2025

Up to 50 helicopters, 1,000 vehicles and 2,000 soldiers from the British Army, the Royal Air Force, the French Armee de Terre and the US Army are taking part. Training is led by 1st Aviation Brigade and includes integrated missions with allied forces, flying from the Scottish Highlands to Salisbury Plain as forces establish battlegroups and forward bases across northern England.

Brigadier Nick English, commander of 1st Aviation Brigade, said the demonstration underlined the brigade’s combat readiness. “This exercise demonstrates that 1st Aviation Brigade is one of Nato’s most capable and ready formations, prepared to defend the UK and our allies,” he said. He added that preparing four different types of aircraft to fly together was a significant engineering and logistical achievement and that the exercise would test teamwork, coordination and new technologies such as drones and advanced communications systems.

The training programme includes deep strike operations where Apache and Gazelle helicopters practise missions far behind enemy lines to destroy targets such as artillery and supply depots. Air assault operations will see RAF Chinook helicopters move paratroopers and equipment into action while Apaches and Gazelles provide protective overwatch. Wildcat reconnaissance helicopters will gather sensor and targeting data to shape the battlegroups’ missions.

Capitaine Damien of the French 3e Regiment d’Hélicopteres de Combat, which is contributing Gazelle helicopters, said the exercise offered a valuable opportunity to improve interoperability.

“We are very proud to participate in this major exercise, which is a great opportunity to enhance our operational readiness,” he said. “For most of the soldiers, it is their first time working with allied forces, but we can see that France and Britain share a common military culture.”