British Army’s helicopter detachments deployed to Finland successfully
The first British Army’s helicopter detachments to participate in the Finnish Army’s exercises this spring have successfully arrived at Säkylä in Finland. The UK’s contingent in Finland includes two AH-64E Apache attack helicopter detachments and one AW159 Wildcat helicopter detachment.
The first phase of training this spring focused on the rapid deployment to Finland of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and AW159 Wildcats, alongside other allied forces arriving by land and sea. As the Finnish Army will operate NH90 and MD500 helicopters during the exercises, operating with attack helicopters will be for conscripts in particular a new element and capability providing new training opportunities. The attack helicopters will be equipped for the exercises in accordance with their set missions, and they will also support the operating of the national forces as a fully independent combat unit.
Although primarily to take place in the Finnish Defence Forces’ range and training areas, helicopter activity will extend beyond these during transit operations. In addition to the Pori Brigade, the Utti Jaeger Regiment and Jaeger Brigade will provide logistical and operational support to the helicopters during their stay in Finland.
