RAF Typhoons based in the Eastern Mediterranean conducted Expeditionary Combat air operations from a temporary base in the Middle East as a proof of concept.
During early October, the 903 Expeditionary Air Wing Typhoon Squadron based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus forward deployed to a forward location in the Middle East from where it conducted an operational mission in support of Operation SHADER to further prove the Agile Combat Employment concept.
"Agile Combat Employment is about utilising our assets from RAF Akrotiri under 903 Expeditionary Air Wing to their maximum extent. In this example we have projected our forces, the RAF Typhoon FGR4, to a Forward Operating Base. We have undertaken this deployment and next [time] we will go for longer and perhaps further than this one."
Wing Commander Dutch Holland
Officer Commanding 903 Expeditionary Air Wing
Agile Combat Employment is an operational concept of being able to operate from austere air bases in order to disperse and quickly manoeuvre combat capability throughout a theatre. Supported by a minimal presence on the ground to provide support activities such as aircraft fuelling, arming, and engineering; Agile Combat Employment expands the number of bases from which air forces can generate combat sorties.
"Operation BLUE DRAGON successfully demonstrated the UK ability to respond dynamically, flexibly, and rapidly under the Agile Combat Employment concept whilst maintaining our commitment to our coalition partners. This operation is the first such deployment for 903 Expeditionary Air Wing and has enabled them to test how successful the aircraft and supporting personnel were able to operate in a new location and environment. The team have demonstrated the capability of conducting air operations at short notice at a Forward Operating Base and further demonstrates to our Coalition partners and Middle Eastern allies, the UK’s continued commitment to the region."
Air Commodore Mark Farrell
Air Officer Commanding 83 Expeditionary Air Group
You can hear more about what it is like working on Operations from desert air bases in the Middle East and Cyprus with 83 Expeditionary Air Group, by listening to Episode 16 of InsideAIR Podcast.
