British Apache and Wildcat helicopters have deployed to Finland as part of a major effort to strengthen joint training during the Finnish Army’s spring exercises.
According to a statement from the Finnish Defence Forces, two squadrons of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and one squadron of AW159 Wildcat helicopters have “successfully concentrated” at Säkylä, Finland.
The deployment marks the arrival of the first allied helicopter detachments for the spring training period.
The Finnish Defence Forces said: “The first part of the spring training activities is the concentration of allied AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and AW159 Wildcat helicopters, along with training forces arriving quickly in Finland by land and sea.” It added that the new capability “enables new types of exercises” and noted that working alongside combat helicopters is “a new element, especially for conscripts.”
The helicopters, the statement explained, are equipped for a range of exercises according to different tasks and are also capable of operating as “a completely independent unit” supporting domestic forces. Operations will be focused primarily within designated Defence Forces’ training areas, but deployments will also occur beyond those zones when necessary.
During their stay, the British helicopters will operate alongside Finnish NH90 and MD500 helicopters, with logistical and operational support provided by the Pori Brigade, the Utti Jaeger Regiment, and the Jaeger Brigade.
We’ve arrived 🔥
It’s great to be back in Finland to work with @Maavoimat as part of Op RAZOREDGE
🇬🇧 🤝 🇫🇮 #attack #strongertogether https://t.co/FtIn9EjYnG
— 3 Regiment Army Air Corps (@3RegimentAAC) April 26, 2025
The British Army’s 3 Regiment Army Air Corps also confirmed the arrival on social media, stating: “We’ve arrived. It’s great to be back in Finland to work with @Maavoimat as part of Op RAZOREDGE.”
In total, more than 20,000 soldiers will be trained this spring for roles in homeland defence and international cooperation, the Finnish Defence Forces said.
How many helicopters are in a squadron and regiment in the British Army?
Don’t tell him Pike!
We’re not telling you, because snitches get stiches
It is open source info.
Front line Apache Sqns, of which there are four, have 8.
There are two other Squadrons, including the OCU.
So 32 out of 50 in 3 and 4 AAC.
Nice concentration of firepower.
Would be great if SDSR announces more AH64-Es. If we want to increase our armed forces firepower this is one option that offers incredible bang for bucks.
An additional 24 Apache Es won’t break the bank but will significantly uptick UK armed forces fighting prowess.
AH64Es are about £50m a pop vs £100m for a Typhoon or F35. I’d rather have a Typhoon or F35 than two Apaches.
Attack helicopters haven’t been as effective in Ukraine as many would have expected, although the very flat terrain with ground level cover makes it difficult to judge, as they have limited cover whereas their targets have ample cover. In hilly or desert environments they could remain massively effective, as those relative advantages diminish / reverse.
There is a doctrinal difference in the use of AH between West and East too. (And actually between US and U.K.)
Eastern (read Russian) tends to use it like close air support, gun runs, close in etc. it makes the very vulnerable to SHORAD
We tend to use it as a manoeuvre arm in its own right – consequently U.K. AH is a bit less vulnerable. It did work well in Libya which technically had functioning air defences.
The hugely vulnerable heli elements are aviation assault (ie support helicopters carrying troops). In contested air space, not far off suicide. Hence US moving away from helicopters and into something quicker.
I think you are misinterpreting the ticket price of Apache E. £50 million each is for ALL the additions eg spare parts, training etc etc. we already have Apache E in service so price would be more like £25-30 million each. So 24 more wouldn’t be that much money.
I do however agree more typhoons are needed urgently. Another batch to see the RAF through until Tempest.
I think c$50m is the unit cost. The 2024 South Korean purchase of 36 AH64Es was quoted as being $3.5bn, which is closer to $100 per heli, so likely includes integration and support costs.
How many???.. In a squadron. 3???
Not telling you – so nuuuur…!
Oh alright Pike, you Russian spy, the frontline squadron strength is 8. As Mr Bell says, we could really do with another 18-24, to get back to the original strength of 67 or a few more. It is a lethal bit of kit that can do serious damage to an enemy formation.
Lee, it used to be 12, back in the day, but probably fewer now. We only bought 50 AH-64E.
More helps, more F35Bs, more Typhoons.
No thanks.
More logistics coupled to more weapons stockpiles protected by more RRA, yes please; although, I would welcome both a reformed PARA Bde and 3 Cdo Bde each with 3 Bns and all enablers..
Agree more RA!
16 is stronger than that already, David, and has had lost enablers restored, as well as retaining what it had.
Agree on 3 Cdo, they’ve gone down the Special Ops, Grey Zone path.