In a seamless demonstration of joint military capability, a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter has been flown to the Middle East by a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster, supporting HMS Lancaster’s ongoing mission as part of Operation Kipion. This operation, part of the UK’s long-running maritime security efforts in the region, highlights the strong collaboration between the RAF and Royal Navy.
The mission began with the C-17, operated by RAF 99 Squadron from Brize Norton, transporting the AW159 Wildcat from the UK to the Middle East. Once in theatre, the new helicopter replaced the one previously stationed aboard HMS Lancaster, which was then flown back to the UK for essential deep maintenance at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
But the mission wasn’t just about the aircraft swap. The RAF also delivered vital supplies to support HMS Lancaster’s extended deployment. The Type 23 frigate, which has been based in the region for some time, plays a crucial role in maritime security operations, and the new Wildcat is a vital asset in this ongoing effort.
Squadron Leader Becca McNeillie, Officer Commanding 902 Expeditionary Air Wing, which coordinated the mission, described it as a “great example of a successful joint operation between the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.” She noted that the mission required careful planning and collaboration between both services and their partner nations, and expressed pride in the role her team played in supporting HMS Lancaster and its crew.
The Wildcat helicopter, which has already played a crucial role in maritime operations such as surveillance, anti-surface warfare, and counter-piracy, is also credited with a significant recent success, a large drug seizure in the region, one of the most important in recent years.
Lieutenant Commander Rob Guest, the 815 Naval Air Squadron Flight Commander, added: “The support provided by the RAF has enabled not only continued aviation operations from HMS Lancaster in the form of a new aircraft, but also the regeneration of the replaced aircraft now back at 815 NAS, providing increased Wildcat Maritime Force resilience for the future.”
This operation underscores the UK’s ability to conduct strategic airlift missions across the globe and highlights the seamless cooperation between the Royal Navy and RAF to ensure the success of deployed forces abroad.
