RAF Wittering saw a strong display of Support Force know‑how as 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron (1 ELS) carried out a live fuel retrieval and refuel on an A400M Atlas as part of Exercise Agile Warrior.
To support the serial, 1 ELS set up their JOFS‑LFS (Joint Operational Fuel System – Light Forces), which includes two 10m³ Tank Fuel Collapsible (TFC) units. This rapidly deployable system allows the team to safely receive, test and issue fuel without relying on fixed infrastructure — exactly the sort of capability designed for Agile Combat Employment (ACE).
The 1 ELS Fuel Support Team, supported by two Reservists from 504 Squadron, ran an ALARS (Air‑Landed Aircraft Refuelling System) serial, defuelling the A400M into the collapsible tanks, carrying out fuel testing, and then returning 5,000 litres to the aircraft. The remaining 5,000 litres was subsequently issued to a Typhoon operating out of RAF Coningsby, which flew into Wittering as part of Wednesday’s exercise activity.
Ahead of the serial, 1 ELS carried out a full recce of the fuel site and prepared the area with the support of Station Operations and 5001 Squadron, who assisted with essential grounding and earthing.
The activity was a clear demonstration of how 1 ELS enables dispersed and resilient operations. Running the ALARS serial on the ground reaffirmed the Squadron’s ACE capability and showed that Wittering can act as an effective dispersal location when required. The team also identified a number of valuable lessons, including the importance of robust communications and tasking routes, the success of a newly designed JOFS schematic, the benefit of integrating specialist Reserve personnel, and the ongoing need for targeted equipment improvements.
“Agile Warrior has given us a real opportunity to prove what we can deliver when operating away from fixed infrastructure. Using the JOFS‑LFS setup and ALARS procedures, we were able to receive, test and issue fuel quickly and safely. The lessons we’ve taken from this serial — particularly around planning, communication and equipment — will help strengthen our support to future high‑tempo operations.”
FS Oswald, 1 Expeditionary Logistics Squadron (1 ELS)
