A multinational NATO evaluation team conducted a Capability Evaluation (CAPEVAL) at RAF Leeming, where a force of over 600 RAF personnel have successfully proven their ability to conduct operations in challenging conditions.
According to NATO here, in March evaluators from Allied Air Command and across NATO put the men and women of the RAF’s 135 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) through multiple challenges aimed at assessing the unit’s ability to support the Alliance during operational deployments.
The Royal Air Force say that 135 EAW’s combat air power was provided by eight Typhoon FGR4 fighter aircraft, and that the evaluation tested the RAF’s ability to cope with a range of missions from air policing to full-scale combat.
“After a decade away from NATO’s CAPEVAL assessment programme, the RAF’s Typhoon Force has provided NATO with clear evidence of its ability to operate to the highest operational standards, under highly testing conditions,” said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston.
“The successful CAPEVAL outcome proves the RAF’s ability to deploy a potent fighting force and reinforces the RAF’s and the UK’s commitment to NATO, and confirming our ability to work effectively alongside our NATO allies.”
According to NATO, under the Allied Command Operations Tactical Evaluations (TACEVAL) Programme, CAPEVALs are conducted to assess Allied forces against NATO requirements and standards.
“The TACEVAL programme also highlights an evaluated force’s strengths, identifies areas of concern, makes appropriate recommendations, and ensures that best practices are shared amongst allies. Evaluations are adapted to the suit the unit being evaluated and its mission, and the evaluation scenarios are constantly changing to match new risks and threats.”
“I am delighted by the commitment and professionalism of my team. They have proved themselves in austere and challenging conditions that included fighting in a simulated chemical, biological and nuclear environment”, said Group Captain Andrew Coe, Officer Commanding 135 EAW.
“Our logistical chain has also been tested to the max and we have proved our ability to operate and sustain a large force from a deployed location,” he added.
Sounds like a lot of hard work, well done to all involved.
One question though, “After a decade away from NATO’s CAPEVAL assessment programme”, why is that? Operational tempo overseas?
Hi folks hope all are welk.
Good news. However, I would guess the RAF would have set the standard and best practice considering the history and experience over it’s 100 years. Nonethelss, one of the best air forcies in the world down to magnificent professionalism.
Cheers
George
Interesting to note this was carried out with just 8 Tyhoons?You would have thought a true assessment would be spread over a far greater number of aircraft, including differing types and more than one location. I can’t really see how this can be an accurate assessment of the RAF as a whole?
Just proves even with a much reduced asset driven force the RAF is up there with the best, just imagine what they could achieve if properly funded. The same goes for all the services. Increased funding to properly support our great forces with what they need.
Germany?
What does Capeval evaluation mean, what do you have to do in these evaluations?