1 AVIATION BDE
1 AVIATION BDE
News in Brief
Capt Kane Crouch
During May 2025, 3AAC and 4AAC Battlegroups deployed to Finland for Exercise PINION STORM. This exercise focused on validating the individual Battlegroups and continuing the training of all personnel. Finland presents unique challenges, which our teams identified and overcame to successfully bring mission planning to fruition. Signallers worked to establish and maintain communications, enabling our aircrew to pass critical data to HQ, while our logistics teams ensured that vehicles and helicopters were kept fuelled and operational. 7 Battalion REME faced the challenge of maintaining helicopter serviceability hundreds of miles away from their home base. Apache helicopters were employed to strike targets with absolute precision, both day and night. Training in a different country allows the organisation to address the real-world challenges of moving large quantities of high-tech equipment over greater distances than usual. Understanding the impact of weather and terrain in Europe is critical to success, as 1 Aviation Brigade continues to project its capabilities further than ever before.
In May and June, many elements of the Brigade Headquarters deployed to Killeen, Texas, for Exercise WARFIGHTER. This exercise involved the Brigade fighting a simulated battle as part of a higher headquarters against a world-class enemy. Unlike most, the Brigade Commander was adamant that the simulation should be conducted using the actual kit and equipment available. This approach allowed the Brigade to accurately demonstrate its capabilities to the Division Commander, showcasing how targets are prosecuted and personnel are protected. Successful planning and execution led to significant mission success, demonstrating that 1 Avn Bde is in an excellent position. During their downtime, troops from the Brigade Headquarters visited local attractions in Austin and Nashville. It is safe to say that more cowboy hats returned to the UK than were taken over!
Over the summer, 1 Avn Bde reestablished a foothold on the other side of the world. 667 Sqn, 5 AAC, has assumed the role of jungle aviation specialists. Supporting jungle operations, the Squadron employs the Airbus H145 to perform roles such as troop transport and medical evacuation. This unique role presents some of the toughest flying conditions a pilot can face. Extremely dark nights and an endless expanse of jungle canopy create a challenging and contrasting environment compared to the UK. The Squadron welcomed both the Sultan of Brunei and the Chief of the General Staff to celebrate the continuation of a powerful relationship. Families of the service personnel within the Squadron have also relocated to Brunei, starting a two-year posting in Asia, an exciting time for all involved.
In late August, the Brigade Signals Squadron was created. 678 Sqn, 1AAC is tasked with catering to the Bde’ s needs in the ever-changing communications space. They will bridge the gap between the Bde and our higher headquarters, enabling immediate and accurate data transfer anywhere in the world. The formation of the Sqn also strengthens the Bde’ s efforts to develop the skillset of every single signaller under its command. The aim is to upskill and encourage the development of soldiers, making them among the most employable in their trade.
There are some exciting events on the horizon. Many members of the Bde team will participate in adventure training, designed to develop their skills and, more importantly, to foster camaraderie and enjoyment. Activities such as windsurfing and skiing are planned. Another significant event, and arguably the most important of the year, is the entire Brigade exercising in the UK this November. This exercise will demonstrate that the Bde can come together, deploy, and reset effectively. It will involve every vehicle, every helicopter, and every soldier, showcasing the Bde’ s readiness for any challenge. Demonstrating this capability to the Chief of the General Staff is just as important as instilling confidence in our newly joined Airtroopers.
22 WINTER 2025 the imjin @ HQARRC NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps @ HQARRC