AN exercise involving the Dutch air force has seen military air craft soaring through the Cumbrian skies.
The exercise, called ‘TAC BLAZE’, is being conducted by the Royal Netherlands Air Force at Carlisle Airport, flying over the range at RAF Spadeadam, and into the Cumbrian and Northumberland countryside.
The aim of TAC BLAZE is to provide a contested air environment by night which helps the Dutch forces train.
For three weeks, the Defence Helicopter Command (DHC) will be flying missions day and night, over hilly terrain and against real threat systems.
Helicopters, including Chinook, Apache and Cougar, plus around 400 personnel, will be involved throughout the exercise.
Various scenarios are being used with the helicopters carrying out simulated missions against potential adversary threats, with the crews using evasive manoeuvres and various other tactics to defeat the 'enemy'.
Lieutenant Colonel Bob Oostrom, leader of the exercise ‘TAC BLAZE’, from the Royal Netherlands Air Force, said: “The facilities at RAF Spadeadam Range are excellent for training our aircrews since it allows us to fly against real threat systems.
“Furthermore, the hilly and forested terrain provides a tactical edge in our low-flying training abilities.
“We are unable to conduct such realistic training at home, and we are therefore very grateful to be able to use RAF Spadeadam again.
“We are looking forward to using Spadeadam more frequently in the future.”
Wing Commander Matt Lawrence, station commander of RAF Spadeadam, said: "The team at Spadeadam are thrilled to be able to work alongside our Dutch allies again this year and to provide them with the most testing training environment to prove their tactical skills.
“The aggressor squadron and RAF Spadeadam continue to provide a unique capability, delivering the most realistic and testing electronic warfare training in Europe.
“NATO, more than ever, is central to the UK’s defence and this exercise allow us to test our own skills and those of UK assisting military units whilst delivering relevant operational training to a highly valued ally."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here