PURPOSE
EX SPRING STORM This spring saw the deployment of the Aviation Task Force 1 (ATF-1) to Estonia to support Exercise SPRING STORM 21. Written By: Captain Iain Maclennan
T
he six-week tour in the Baltics was led by soldiers from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (4 A AC), supported by 664 Sqn (4 A AC) and 661 Sqn (1 A AC). A complicated self-deployment of Wildcat and Apache helicopters across Europe saw transits through France, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This was reinforced through a comprehensive logistical and equipment support chain, enabling and maintaining the aircraft through their rapid multi day advance across Europe. Once established in country, both the Wildcat and Apache began operating alongside the Estonian Defence Force, providing a credible deterrence and support to NATO partners in the region. Exercise activity saw demanding sorties being conducted in the Estonian Central Training Area, with Attack Reconnaissance Teaming of Wildcat and Apache being used to great effect. Further integration of foreign partners saw sorties utilising Italian F35 fast jets and US
22 ISSUE 3, 2021 / LANDING ZONE
Apache and Black Hawk. Live firing opportunities at Rutja sea range achieved both Wildcat 7.62mm and Apache 30mm and the first Estonian Hellfire range was proven. Significant training objectives were achieved during this shoot, exercising Wildcat-Apache laser designation missile handover and Apache-Apache remote missile designation. Surprisingly, poor weather conditions provided challenging training for the
