Flying from Ämari Air Base in Estonia to Ørland and Bardufoss Air Bases in Norway, the RAF Typhoons delivered Air-to-Ground munitions in the High North as part of the exercise, practising the Agile Combat Employment concept (ACE). The aircraft deployed to Ørland Air Base where they refuelled and rearmed with Paveway IV bombs at a rapidly deployable Forward Arming and Refuelling Point demonstrating collaboration and expeditionary capabilities among the Allies.
“Combining a forward deployment on the eastern flank, with projection to the high north and an intercept of the BTF adds a very valuable experience to NATO’s agility,” said RAF 140 EAW Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Scott MacColl. “Flying alongside multiple Allies and working together improves our interoperability and relations. Making different operating systems and locations more understandable and thereby enhancing our flexibility” Wing Commander MacColl continued.
During their forward deployment to the high North, the Typhoons also carried out intercepts of United States Air Force B1 Lancers strategic bombers deployed to Europe for a Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission. The tactical intercepts of the BTF were carried out with Norwegian F-35s, Swedish Gripens, Danish F-16s and Finnish F-18s as part of exercise Tower Guardian.
The multinational exercise helped strengthen the interoperability between NATO members and Partners. The ACE deployment from the Baltic Sea region to the High North increases NATO’s flexibility in the Air domain and the ability to work together. The mission was designed to shield and protect Allied territory and populations and is a key component of NATO’s Deterrence and Defence Posture.