RAF and Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) Weekly Ops Update 12-18 Dec 11

Attack

The Tornado GR4s of 12(B) Sqn, operating from 904 EAW at Kandahar have had a particularly busy week where they have flown an additional 50% of tasking in a surge period of CAS (Close Air Support). The Sqn also launched GCAS (Ground alert Close Air Support) during this surge period to support ground operations being undertaken by UK forces. A second GCAS mission resulted in a kinetic strike against a known homemade explosive facilitator. GR4s were also required to deliver three shows of force (SofF) on three separate occasions in support of Italian ground forces. These ranged from convoy support to a combat out-post where they had been engaged by insurgents with small arms. Additionally, the Sqn undertook 3 RAPTOR missions collecting data on more than 300 Points of Interest which provides essential intelligence data in support of ground commanders.

Air Mobility and Lift

This week has seen the VC10s of 101 Sqn successfully complete all of their planned missions, delivering 92 tonnes of fuel to coalition aircraft. The majority of fuel was delivered to the GR4s of 12(B) Sqn with the remainder going to French, and Italian aircraft. This was critical to ensuring that coalition airpower delivered armed overwatch, Shows of Force or Close Air Support to troops on the ground across Afghanistan.

ISTAR

Intelligence and Situational Awareness

The 39 Sqn Reaper detachment, operating from Kandahar airfield, have continued to provide the detailed imagery and intelligence crucial to ground commanders having delivered 300 hours of full motion video this week. The Reaper crew also carried out a successful kinetic strike against a known insurgent.

The Sentinel R1 aircraft of 5(AC) Sqn continued to support operations in Afghanistan this week primarily across RC (SW). The majority of the activity was to provide pattern of life data in support of a number of disparate operations led by the US Marine Corps and UK ground forces. Sentinels GMTI product continues to be highly sought after with this week seeing over 40 flying hours being flown.

The Royal Navy SKASaCs helicopters operating as part of 903 EAW at Camp Bastion have had a very successful week flying more than 30 operational hours. The first key success came early in the week where 400kg of hashish was uncovered with an estimated street value of £2m. However, this was superseded later in the week when SKASaCs was involved again in a successful drug find which uncovered 1800kg of narcotics with an estimated street value of £40m. The continued development of tactics and procedures has seen the SKASaCs integrate into any force package and become a key element within a layered ISTAR ethos.

JHF(A)

Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan)

There was no respite in JHF(A) operations this week with Apache activity increasing. Five kinetic engagements by the Apache detachment achieved considerable success. This was in addition to the support given to six deliberate operations, utilising mixed formation Chinook and Merlin aircraft.

Editor: Flt Lt E A Price

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2011.