Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoons pilots of XI (F) Squadron have been exercising over France as part of a tri-nation Exercise called Atlantic Trident. The Typhoons have joined US Air Force F-35As and French Rafale fighters in the exercise across two weeks to develop skills in working together, exploiting the strengths of the aircraft and developing the ability to operate as one team. In week two this knowledge building will grow further when RAF F-35B Lightnings will join the Exercise from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Group Captain Farrow RAF Liaison Officer to the French Military said; “The participation of the UK’s Royal Air Force in Exercise Atlantic Trident is a reflection of the high value we place on working with and flying with our French and U.S. partners. Typhoon fighters from XI(F) Squadron and F-35B Lightnings of 617 (Dambusters) Squadron will be taking part in the exercise while Voyager tankers from 101 Squadron will provide fuel for aircraft from all three nations. The Exercise marks a milestone in RAF history as this will be the first international exercise in which jets from the new UK aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth will take part.”
Flight Lieutenant Smyth IX (F) Squadron pilot said; “By flying together on Exercise Atlantic Trident, the U.S.A, France and UK will be able to deliver increased effect, as we will be able to better understand each other and come together to achieve optimum interoperability. Training together is really important because it helps us to understand the similarities of our respective air arm, the strengths of each of our fighter aircraft, and how we can work together to improve, both technologically and operationally in terms of the effect we are trying to achieve.”
The Exercise Atlantic Trident is taking place over south west and central France with the Typhoons joining daily events in the sky by flying from their home base at RAF Coningsby supported by RAF Voyager Tankers from RAF Brize Norton. Hosted by France, Atlantic Trident is being conducted at Mont-de-Marsan Air Force Base over the south-west and central part of the country from 17 to 28 May. During the exercise, RAF Typhoons will join daily events in the sky by flying from their home base at RAF Coningsby supported by RAF Voyager Tankers from RAF Brize Norton air station.
