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MRM-0548-Ex Crimson Warrior Air to Air Refuelling — This image is of 2 RAF Coningsby Typhoons and RAF Marham F-35B’s positioned in the RAF Brize Norton Voyager airspace after completing the refuelling during EX CRIMSON WARRIOR on 04/11/2020. Aircraft and personnel from RAF Marham’s 617 Squadron joined colleagues from across the RAF as they commenced a large scale training exercise this week named Exercise CRIMSON WARRIOR. Also joining the exercise were F-35 aircraft from the United States Marines Corps VMFA-211 Squadron who arrived in the UK at the beginning of September to train alongside UK F-35 jets based at RAF Marham. CRIMSON WARRIOR is a critical element of 617 and VMFA-211 Squadron’s preparation for the Carrier Strike Group deployment next year, providing high end training against realistic threats and scenarios. It also enables the further development of UK Combat Air 5th and 4th Gen interoperability with UK Typhoons and Lakenheath based USAF F15’s. Also particating in the exercise is the Voyager Aircraft from RAF Brize Norton who will be providing vital re-fuelling support to all aircraft. Exercise CRIMSON WARRIOR is the culmination of a number of training exercises that have taken place over the last few months working with a number of NATO partners to enhance the interoperability and to demonstrate the readiness to deploy proven capabilities. Officer Commanding 617 Squadron, Commander Sparrow said, “The last few months have seen a period of intensive training for the Squadron having conducted Group Exercises and Exercise JOINT WARRIOR from HMS Queen Elizabeth alongside our United States Marine Corp and NATO colleagues. We are looking forward to putting the skills and qualifications that we have gained to the test in Exercise CRIMSON WARRIOR to show that we are ready to deploy on Carrier Strike Group 21 next year.”

NATO forces strengthen cooperation on aviation training

March 30, 2024

On Monday, twelve NATO Allies (Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom) agreed to further expand military aviation training across the Alliance through the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) initiative.

This includes the first ever placement of around fifty student pilots in four locations beginning this year, the addition of nine new training campuses, as well as the establishment of a dedicated industry advisory body.

NFTE aims to fundamentally change the way Allies train the full range of aircrews, including pilots for jets, helicopters, and remotely piloted air systems.

According to a press release:

“NFTE is not only strengthening the capabilities of Allied air forces but it is also promoting Allied unity. Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană said: “Unity doesn’t just happen, it has to be earned. One way of achieving this is by systematically training together and forging trusting relationships in the process. NATO Flight Training Europe is an excellent example of this. This important multinational effort will help us to break down national silos towards a shared approach to training the next generations of aircrews.”

With the latest expansion of the number of training campuses to fourteen locations, NFTE is now facilitating training in seven Allied countries. The rapid growth of NFTE has attracted interest around the Alliance with several Allies expected to join in the first half of 2024. The placement of the first group of students means that Allied aircrews will have access to cutting-edge training opportunities.”

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Jacko

4 days ago

Can’t be a bad thing can it? It will give a valuable lesson on how NATO works and everyone trained to the same standards.

George Amery

4 days ago

Hi folks hope all is well.
Yes this can’t be a bad thing and hopefully will build upon the skills set.
However, I’m not expert enough on military matters as most on this site. My concern is how does this form of training fit the many different airframes that cover the NATO spectrum? Won’t a mix of students have different equipment etc?
Cheers
George

John Clark

4 days ago

Reply to George Amery

Hi George, I’m assuming that after officer training and successful flight screening this will mainly cover ground school and initial flight training, probably up to turbo prop, but stopping short of fast jet training.

George Amery

4 days ago

Reply to John Clark

Cheers John, thanks for the information.