From their location in the Eastern Mediterranean, RAF Typhoons from have conducted Air Integration training with Rafale fighter jets alongside the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group.
Typhoons from 903 Expeditionary Air Wing have taken part in Exercise OLYMPUS DAWN, providing a range of joint training opportunities, flying with Rafale multi-role fighter jets as well as conducting Air Maritime Integration with the Strike group.
The exercise conducted over 2 days over the Mediterranean saw the Typhoons practice simulated long-range missile employment based on radar tracks of the opposing fighters before closing to do visual combat training (dog fighting). The RAF Voyager tanker from 903 Expeditionary Air Wing provided air-to-air training to extend the time on task for the fighters so they could repeat the training to further improve proficiency. The Typhoons also simulated attacks on the Carrier Strike group to testing their response to approaching missiles and enemy aircraft.
Exercise OLYMPUS DAWN was a fantastic chance for us to conduct joint training with the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group and French Rafale aircraft. Using RAF Typhoons and a Voyager aircraft from 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, the opportunity to work together and share best practice with one of our key partners has continued to show our close co-operation and interoperability development.
Air Commodore Thomas
Air Component Commander in the Middle East
The sorties flown this week with the French Navy has been a great opportunity to develop the interoperability between the two forces flying different aircraft types. It has also provided essential Air Maritime Integration opportunities for the Carrier Strike Group and French and British pilots alike. In addition to the very valuable flying, the exercise sends a strong strategic message that we remain committed in the Eastern Mediterranean as a coalition, combat ready and able to work seamlessly with our partners in the region.
Mission Commander
The French Carrier Strike Group is deployed on Operation Antares and joins the Allied Carrier Strike group operating in the Mediterranean contributing to the security of NATO’s Eastern flank as well as supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
