RAF aviators from a wide range of professions are leading the charge at NATO’s premier air-focused Counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (C-CBRN) training event, Exercise Toxic Trip.
Hosted this year by the Royal Norwegian Air Force at Ørland Air Base, Norway, the exercise brings together specialists from across NATO to strengthen how we work together (interoperability) and ensure the Alliance’s ability to deliver Air Power in a CBRN environment.
During the exercise, RAF personnel delivered a Federated Air C-CBRN Capability (FACC), working closely with NATO allies to enhance collective readiness and resilience. This collaboration highlights NATO’s unity and commitment to countering CBRN threats, ensuring the Alliance remains stronger together in the face of evolving challenges.
“Exercise Toxic Trip has allowed us to showcase our adaptability in challenging environments; from overcoming the weather to modifying decontamination drills to protect our NATO colleagues whilst enhancing our own C-CBRN techniques.”
Corporal Hemming from the Defence Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough
The RAF’s participation included expertise from across the RAF Global Enablement Forces and 2 Group, such as:
- The RAF Force Protection Centres Air Counter-CBRN Team (ACCT).
- Support Force Teams.
- A CBRN Medical Team.
- RAF Regiment Gunners.
- Experts from the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine.
- RAF Fire and Rescue Services.
Operating in a CBRN environment isn’t just the responsibility of specialists, it requires the determination and capability of the entire force, from pilots to medics to engineers, to ensure operations can continue in these challenging conditions.
"Working alongside multiple nations during Exercise Toxic Trip has been a highly valuable experience. Our Chemical Reconnaissance team was employed effectively by the Task Force Commanders, particularly in support of Casualty Evacuation operations, which reflected positively on the UK contribution. The exercise provided an excellent training experience, broadening our skills and strengthening interoperability with our NATO partners.”
Air Specialist Malkin, an RAF Regiment Gunner, who was part of the Air CBRN Protection Group
Exercise Toxic Trip is a cornerstone of NATO’s efforts to enhance air C-CBRN preparedness, demonstrating the Alliance’s solidarity and integration.
