Royal Air Force Typhoons stationed in Estonia as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, relocated to Norway to participate in the Tempest Strike and Tower Guardian exercises with Allied air forces on June 26.
Departing from Ämari Air Base in Estonia and landing in Ørland and Bardufoss Air Bases in Norway, the RAF Typhoons carried out Air-to-Ground munitions operations in the High North.
This execution was a part of the Agile Combat Employment concept (ACE) that underlines the exercise. A notable highlight was the use of a rapidly deployable Forward Arming and Refuelling Point at Ørland Air Base, underscoring the Allies’ ability to collaborate and quickly prepare for operations.
Wing Commander Scott MacColl, RAF 140 EAW Commanding Officer, commented, “Combining a forward deployment on the eastern flank, with projection to the high north and an intercept of the BTF adds a very valuable experience to NATO’s agility.” He further emphasised the importance of diverse allies operating together, improving interoperability and enhancing overall flexibility within NATO.
As part of exercise Tower Guardian, the Typhoons also conducted tactical intercepts of United States Air Force B1 Lancer strategic bombers, deployed in Europe for a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission. This operation involved not just the RAF Typhoons, but also Norwegian F-35s, Swedish Gripens, Danish F-16s, and Finnish F-18s, demonstrating a united multinational effort.
Some pics of all the aircraft together would be great. I used to have a nice pic of su30mki, typhoons and F15s.
Nice photo shots of B1, gripen, tiffies, F18, F16, F35 out on patrol.
Was that just 4 or so aircraft or a whole squadron? Testing the water, as it were, or a meaningful transfer of power?
Our Ben Wallace shot one off across Ukraine, telling them to show gratitude for weapons donated from western stockpiles and Britain had acknowledged that Ukraine should be in NATO.