Attack and transport helicopters would play an important role in a NATO conflict with Russia.
Up to 50 attack and transport helicopters from the United Kingdom, France, and the United States are honing their capabilities together in one of the largest NATO helicopter exercises of recent years.
Attack and transport helicopters would play an important role in NATO operations against Russia in a potential conflict.
Exercise Pinion Titan
The event is led by the British Army’s 1st Aviation Brigade and will last until the end of the month. In addition to the approximately 50 helicopters, 1,000 vehicles, and 2,000 troops from the British Army, Royal Air Force (RAF), Armée de Terre, and US Army are taking part in the exercise.
The goal of the exercise is to hone individual and unit flying skills and increase interoperability among some of NATO’s most active members. Helicopters and crews are working on a wide range of hypothetical mission sets, including deep strikes against high-value targets, reconnaissance, and air assault.
“This exercise demonstrates that 1st Aviation Brigade is one of NATO’s most capable and ready formations, prepared to defend the UK and our allies,” the commanding officer of the 1st Aviation Brigade, Brigadier Nick English, said in a press release.
The British Army, RAF, and the French Army are participating with 10 AW159 Wildcat, eight AH-64 Apache, four SA-341Gazelle, and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
To mark the start of the exercise, the helicopters formed up for an “elephant walk” at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk, England. During an elephant walk, aircraft taxi along the runway together, displaying an impressive view.
“An elephant walk is a striking demonstration of strength and readiness. Preparing four different types of aircraft to fly together is a significant engineering and logistical achievement. It proves to us and to potential adversaries that we have the teamwork and coordination needed for real-world combat operations,” English added.
The British Army formed the 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team in 2020, bringing together its attack and reconnaissance helicopters.
“For most of the soldiers, it is their first time working with allied forces, but we can see that France and Britain share a common military culture. This will lead to smooth integration and the development of a joint force with solid tactical capabilities,” a French Army captain from the 3rd Combat Helicopter Regiment stated.
The Helicopter Today
Although advances in anti-aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle technology make helicopter operations in an active battlefield riskier, attack and transport helicopters can still offer significant value to military commanders.
Even in Ukraine’s air-contested environment, both sides are using attack and transport helicopters.
During the Ukrainian military’s large-scale counteroffensive in the southern part of the country in the summer of 2023, the Russian military used Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters effectively to stall the Ukrainian attacks. And only recently, the Ukrainian military launched an air assault with special operations forces and UH-60 Black Hawk transport helicopters to the rear of the Russian forces in Pokrovsk, one of the most contested parts of the battlefield.
In a potential near-peer conflict with Russia, NATO’s attack and transport helicopters would provide important kinetic, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and transport capabilities.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: DVIDS.
