Two former marine vessels have been installed as military targets at Holbeach Air Weapons Range in Lincolnshire, where they will be used to support weapons training by fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation has said.
The steel vessels were transported from the River Crouch in Essex around the coast to Holbeach before being positioned with specialist tug support from the Netherlands. They have been adapted for military use and will become part of the range’s target infrastructure. Holbeach is used by Defence aircraft for both live and inert weapons training, including preparation ahead of operational deployments. The two new vessels are intended to provide aircrews with additional maritime-style targets during training sorties.
Brigadier Gavin Hatcher, DIO’s Head of the UK Training Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome these new targets to AWR Holbeach. They offer a unique opportunity for Defence to carry out essential training in a challenging yet safe environment.
“The continued investment in training enhancements, such as new targets here, new urban skills houses in Catterick and Larkhill, and broader training area improvements in Thetford demonstrates DIO’s contribution to ensuring that Defence is able to train and be operationally ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.”
The project was delivered jointly by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Landmarc and construction and marine specialist Topbond PLC. One of the newly installed vessels will form part of the development of Target 10 within the range.
Air Commodore Simon Blackwell, Commander Airbases, said: “The new targets at AWR Holbeach will significantly enhance Defence aircrew training and ensure that we remain operationally Ready to Fly, Fight and Win.
“Against the backdrop of current global volatility, the importance of these targets to maintain ready access to realistic training is clear, enabling our combat aircrew to maintain their skills and readiness to respond to any demand.”
Installing the vessels required work around environmental restrictions as well as the weather and tidal conditions affecting the Wash.
Tom Davidson, from Landmarc, said: “The successful delivery and safe installation of these new targets was a challenge. The project required detailed planning and coordination between multiple organisations, all while managing ecological requirements and working around weather and tidal conditions.
“We are delighted to have been able to support the delivery of this project, which enhances Defence training capability but also demonstrates how complex infrastructure projects can be delivered, while carefully considering environmental factors. It is a strong example of what can be achieved when organisations work together towards a common goal.”
Holbeach Air Weapons Range occupies coastal marshland where repeated military use has left unexploded ordnance embedded in mud and sediment. DIO warns members of the public not to touch suspicious objects and to enter the range only where permitted, with access prohibited when red flags are flying or red warning lamps are illuminated.
The site already contains a number of fixed targets used during aircrew training. The addition of the repurposed vessels provides further maritime-shaped targets for aircraft conducting weapons practice over the range.
