Photo: The Finnish Army
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British Army helicopter detachments have landed in Finland to take part in joint spring exercises with the Finnish Army. The deployment includes two AH-64E Apache attack helicopter detachments and one AW159 Wildcat reconnaissance helicopter detachment.
The helicopters arrived at the Finnish Defence Forces’ training area in Säkylä, marking the start of a new phase in UK-Finland defence cooperation.
The first stage of the operation focused on the rapid deployment of rotary-wing assets into Finland, alongside allied forces arriving by land and sea. The helicopters will operate alongside Finnish Army units flying NH90 and MD500 aircraft.
For Finnish conscripts, this will be their first time training alongside attack helicopters. The joint drills are designed to integrate the Apaches and Wildcats into Finnish operations as independent combat units.
The helicopters will support national forces while conducting missions tailored to the exercise scenario. Although most operations will be confined to designated training zones, some helicopter movements will occur outside these areas during transit.
The Finnish Pori Brigade is leading the host operations. Additional support is being provided by the Utti Jaeger Regiment and the Jaeger Brigade, which are coordinating logistics and mission support during the detachments’ stay in Finland.
The deployment follows a deepening of defence cooperation between Finland and NATO allies, as Finland continues to expand its role within the alliance following its accession last year.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
