RAF Air Mobility crews have successfully transported a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton to RAF Akrotiri, completing a complex short‑notice task that showcased the responsiveness, reach and versatility of the Air Mobility Force (AMF).
The mission required the Wildcat to be dismantled at Yeovilton before being loaded onto a RAF C‑17 Globemaster from 99 Squadron. Operating from an airfield not designed for large transport aircraft, the load and departure demanded exceptional planning and coordination.
The airfield at Yeovilton is not designed for large transport aircraft like the C‑17, so the planning had to be meticulous.
Flt Lt Oliver, Operations Officer for 99 Squadron
Despite tight timelines, the C‑17 crew delivered the helicopter to Cyprus within a single 24‑hour mission cycle.
Twenty‑four hours from the C‑17 departing Aki, we picked up the cargo and returned to Aki with the Wildcat,... It’s not unusual freight, but as you can imagine this cargo takes a lot of time and planning to move. For Air Mobility, it’s another impressive response to a dynamic tasking.
Flt Lt Oliver, Operations Officer for 99 Squadron
I’m immensely proud of the squadron’s short‑notice response — from our Engineers, Ops and Aircrew — to dynamically re‑task assets in support of ongoing Defence requirements.
Wg Cdr Nic Lofthouse, Officer Commanding 99 Squadron
Supporting Wider UK Defence Activity
The Wildcat forms part of a broader UK Defence contribution in the region, where the UK routinely collaborates across maritime, land and air forces to protect deployed personnel and uphold regional security.
The helicopters are deploying alongside a Royal Navy unit to support defensive activity and enhance the protection of UK forces stationed on the island.
While specific capabilities are not discussed for operational security reasons, Wildcat crews from 815 Naval Air Squadron routinely work with ships such as Type 45 destroyers, providing situational awareness and defensive support when required. This deployment is another example of the UK’s long‑standing habit of working jointly across services to deliver effect.
Air Mobility Explained
Air Mobility is the UK’s global lift and refuelling capability, moving people, equipment and essential kit quickly around the world to support operations, exercises, humanitarian missions and everything in between.
It gives the UK the ability to react at speed - reinforcing deployed forces, supporting allies or responding to crises - and getting the Wildcat to RAF Akrotiri at short notice ensured teams in theatre kept the tools they need to stay ready.
The task also shows how closely the RAF works with the Royal Navy and land forces, enabling movement when ground or sea routes are restricted by terrain, threat or operational urgency.
Air Mobility crews operate from established runways, austere or semi‑prepared strips, and can deliver people or equipment by parachute, giving Defence the flexibility to move where it needs to, when it needs to.
Despite the pace, 99 Squadron continues to deliver across the world.
“Whilst it is an extremely busy time for us, we continue to carry on with operations and exercises all over the world.
Flt Lt Oliver, Operations Officer for 99 Squadron
From humanitarian relief to specialist defence missions like this, the RAF’s Air Mobility Force remains a vital enabler — projecting capability, supporting partners and responding at speed whenever required.
