Innovation, technological performance and enhancing partnerships with NATO allies – this is the focus for Exercise Atlantic Trident 2025 (Ex AT25), which launched this week.
First established in 2010 as part of a ‘Trilateral Strategic Initiative’ between the UK, US and French, this year Ex AT25 is taking place in Finland – a first for this activity, demonstrating NATO’s influence and strength in the High North and Finland’s deepening integration into NATO.
RAF Typhoon pilots and aircraft engineers from Global Readiness Wing (GRW), RAF Lossiemouth and 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) who are currently deployed on Operation Chessman, in Malbork, Poland, are all taking part in this valuable training, supported by the RAF Regiment from 3 Force Protection Wing.
“Atlantic Trident is more than just a demonstration of airpower; it is a clear message of unity, readiness, and resolve. For the Finnish people, this exercise reaffirms NATO’s readiness and commitment to collective defence, and the principle that we are stronger together.”
Wing Commander Skorge, Commanding Officer GRW
During the Exercise they will be training together to protect the integrity of an area, or territory, while operating in an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) environment. ACE training allows all NATO air forces to remain flexible and fast when operating together. This enhances operational integration and combat readiness among NATO allies.
Using multiple bases throughout Finland, personnel from all 4 air forces will be working on each other’s aircraft, performing minor maintenance tasks, such as aircraft refuelling allowing rapid deployment and turnaround.
“Exercises like Atlantic Trident matter because they build real trust between personnel on the ground and in the air. For us, it is about making sure we can operate seamlessly with our NATO partners, because when it counts, there won’t be time to figure it out.”
Warrant Officer Brown, Deployed Operating Base Warrant Officer (DOBWO) GRW
They added: “Finland’s now fully part of that team, bringing their own experiences and expertise to NATO, and this exercise is about understanding what each partner nation can bring to the fight. We are stronger together, and collective defence starts with working side by side every day.”
