ARRC Imjin Magazine Winter 25 | Page 23

Capt Graeme Rawlye

In May Soldiers and Officers from 7 Air Defence Group deployed to the Outer Hebrides for Exercise FORMIDABLE SHIELD, the largest Joint integrated air and missile defence live fire event in the European theatre. This year it featured the UK GBAD Formation for the first time. For 7 AD Gp it was a pivotal event in interoperability and the testing of new capabilities, with the reintroduction of a Beyond Visual Line of Sight( BVLOS) engagement capability in Sky Sabre. In doing so we achieved several notable firsts that marked a clear step forward for UK defence’ contribution to NATO and homeland security.

Our role was to build an integrated air defence laydown alongside multinational partners, connecting land, sea and air sensors into a single shared picture. We worked shoulder to shoulder with allied navies, air forces and ground units to link radars, information networks and command posts so that a maritime detection could rapidly trigger a coordinated response on land. The planning was intense and exacting: mapping engagement zones, testing secure communications and rehearsing decision cycles until processes felt instinctive.

The culmination came when 16 Regt RA live fired their Sky Sabre system from British soil for the first time ever during the exercise. Watching Sky Sabre engage simultaneous designated targets in a tightly choreographed scenario, with allied aircraft and ships integrated into the sequence, validated months of training and technical integration. The live firing demonstrated how modern short and medium range systems can protect critical areas against aircraft, drones and missile threats.

Being part of a multinational team reinforced that interoperability, clear procedures and mutual trust are

non-negotiable. We left the Hebrides with stronger partnerships, refined tactics for integrating Sky Sabre into combined defence plans and practical lessons that will shape future deployments. The exercise showed that when nations operate as one, the shield we build together is far more effective than any single system alone.

Counter UAS Training Team support Exercise KOP SHIELD in BFSAI

The newly established Counter-UAS Training Team deployed to the British Falkland Islands to provide a realistic target set for the resident Sky Sabre Battery. Our team’ s mission was simple and vital: fly a range of drones to stress sensors, comms and engagement routines so the Sky Sabre crews could practice detecting, classifying and engaging real moving targets.

We launched small quadcopters and larger fixed wing drones across the training area, testing low, fast and long-range profiles. One sortie set a new record for the longest distance flown by a training drone from our unit, stretching the engagement envelope and giving Sky Sabre operators the chance to practise longer tracking and handover sequences.

A key element was the involvement of RAF Typhoon jets to conduct target handover. Typhoon controllers received our drone tracks, validated them and passed a clean target

picture to the Sky Sabre Battery, creating a full chain from sensor to shooter. Watching that handover work in real time was a powerful confirmation that joint procedures and communications are effective.

The deployment was a proud moment for our fledgling team. We delivered high quality, realistic targets, learned how to operate safely alongside fast jets, and provided the Sky Sabre crews with the demanding practice they need to keep the airspace secure.

Op CABRIT, Op CROSSWAYS, and Op LUMINOUS

As 7 Air Defence Group, we continue to support operations across a shifting security landscape. In Estonia we bolster NATO air defence, working closely with allies to protect shared airspace. In Saudi Arabia we provide ongoing support, offering expertise and systems to strengthen regional defences. In Cyprus we remain ready to defend the Sovereign Base Areas and support local security tasks.

These deployments happen against the backdrop of dynamic and changing times. This demands flexible thinking, clear communication and a cycle of continuous development and review. Staying adaptable and connected to partners is how we keep airspace safe and respond swiftly when the threat picture evolves.