A P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from CXX Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth has deployed to Norway to conduct anti-surface warfare training with the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
The exercise was designed to strengthen bilateral working arrangements between the RAF and the Royal Norwegian Air Force, which both operate the Poseidon aircraft. The exercise also gives the RAF crew valuable experience of operating from an unfamiliar location over mountainous terrain.
The aircraft deployed to Evenes Air Base in northern Norway with support elements from 201 Squadron Engineering, the Tactical Operation Centre, Mission System Support and RAF Police from 5 Squadron.
“UK Poseidon operating in the 'High North' is critical to maintain the safety and security of the seas around our Joint Expeditionary Force and NATO allies. In light of an aggressive and expansionist Russia operating within close proximity to our territorial waters, it is vital we continue to secure our seas.
UK Poseidon have been completing that task since 2020. We continue to grow in capability and mass, with co-operation with NATO partners essential to doing so and this detachment has continued along that road.”Wing Commander Ben Livesey
Officer Commanding CXX Squadron
The RAF Poseidon Force regularly train and operate with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Interoperability between our nation’s aircraft delivers a stronger and more effective force.
During the exercise, the CXX Sqn Poseidon conducted anti-surface warfare training whilst demonstrating the ability to be successfully tasked through the Norwegian Air Operations Centre. The RAF team also reviewed the Norwegian facilities to inform future deployments to the region.
Following the recent release of the film Narvik, the RAF detachment visited the town Narvik; the location of a 2-month battle in 1940, which was supported by UK air, land and maritime forces.
CXX Sqn are looking forward to returning to Evenes and subsequently reciprocating the excellent hosting afforded by 133 Air Wing and 333 Sqn Royal Norwegian Air Force when they visit RAF Lossiemouth.