As the UK prepares to assume leadership of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) Special Operations Component in July 2026, Exercise Hyperion Storm successfully validated the Royal Air Force’s Special Operations Air Task Group’s (SOATG) readiness for joint operational responsibilities.
Conducted over two weeks in January 2026 at RAF Leeming, the exercise used a small footprint of just over 200 personnel and tested the RAF’s ability to support Land Task Group missions utilising Chinooks from 27 Squadron. The support involved demonstrating special operations core skills: special reconnaissance, direct action and military assistance.
“The evaluation process is exacting and demanding; every detail is scrutinised. As a headquarters we had to meet over 850 performance measures to ensure complete validation for NATO. On this exercise we are here to support and ensure the success of the Maritime, Land and Air Task Groups as they seamlessly work together. This is the first time we have brought together the UK’s Joint Special Operations Forces for such an important leadership role in NATO. It demonstrates the versatility of the UK Commando Force, Ranger Regiment and Royal Air Force, both in support of our NATO Alliance partners and allies across the globe.”
Colonel Phil
Deputy Commander of Special Operations Component Command
The culmination of two years of work for the Royal Air Force, SOATG based at RAF Benson and 27 Squadron at RAF Odiham, other support elements included: Joint Helicopter Support Squadron, 90 Signals Unit, Air Land Integration Squadron and II Squadron RAF Regiment. Together they have undergone major development to prepare for this exercise and the readiness period starting in July.
“This has been a concentrated effort for the past two years to reach validation which, in collaboration with NATO and our sister Services has resulted in a successful Exercise.”
Wing Commander Matthew
Commanding Officer of SOATG
