The Royal Air Force’s Parachuting Test Team recently deployed to Arizona, United States, for Exercise Rising Gains, delivering a demanding programme of parachutist training to maintain and develop the specialist skills required to support Defence operations.
Over three weeks, the team completed 64 sorties and more than 500 descents across a range of parachute systems. The training focused on building the skills needed to safely test and evaluate military parachuting equipment and techniques in complex environments, ensuring the team remains ready to enhance and strengthen today’s capability while continuing to adapt for the future.
At the centre of the exercise was the Test Parachutist Course, which prepares personnel to operate beyond routine parachuting tasks. Alongside advanced canopy training, parachutists refined their ability to control descent with precision, operate safely in formation and land accurately. This reflects the RAF’s focus on developing highly skilled people who are agile, integrated and ready to fly and fight.
The exercise also included demanding parachute serials such as intentional cutaway procedures, where parachutists safely practise the controlled release of their primary canopy in flight. This training ensures personnel can respond effectively to unexpected situations and operate safely in challenging conditions.
Safety remained central throughout. All activity was conducted within clearly defined limits, supported by careful planning, disciplined execution and a strong safety culture. This enabled the team to adapt to environmental challenges, including changing weather conditions, while maintaining high standards.
The training was supported by several UK, French and US industry partners and is the first step towards future training events with NATO partners, directly contributing to the government's commitment to NATO.
By delivering advanced training such as Exercise Rising Gains, the RAF continues to optimise its current capability while modernising for future operations, ensuring its people remain ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
