Royal Marines test skills in vehicle takedowns

The UK Commando Force may be called upon to stop, search or destroy vehicles suspected of carrying a threat – weapons or bombs – but also of transporting persons of interest and other high-value targets during their specialist operations around the globe.

To make sure they are as sharp as possible for these niche missions, the Commandos used Wildcat and Merlin helicopters to track and stop a range of vehicles at Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset and at Keevil Airfield in Wiltshire. 

Exercise Emerald Razor took place over two days and was led by Wildcats of 847 Naval Air Squadron from the Commando Helicopter Force, and included a Merlin from 846 Naval Air Squadron.

A sniper team and assault troops from Plymouth-based 42 Commando provided the main punch as the helicopters worked in pairs to stop targets and offload troops to storm the vehicles.
Pilots were required to complete incredibly complex manoeuvres to chase down and position their aircraft to the stop vehicles.  

Lieutenant Robert Hartwell of 42 Commando said: “Heliborne Vehicle interdiction is a vital component of the Royal Marines’ Operational playbook allowing us to target suspect vehicles swiftly and decisively for rapid interdiction. 

“The ability for us to conduct this training alongside other elements from the Commando Force allows us to enhance our interoperability proving the concept and ultimately contributing to success on future operations.”

The exercise increased in scale and complexity with a Merlin helicopter introduced to land assault troops rapidly on the ground. 

By the end the Commandos and helicopters were an effective unit, able to coordinate multiple aircraft onto several vehicles at once.

Among the specialists on the exercise were Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) of 29 Commando’s 148 Battery. These Commandos work closely with aircraft from the ground, to firstly find a target, but then track and destroy them if needed.

Captain Harry Higgins, from 148 Battery, said: “This was once again a great training event for the JTACs involved. Vehicle Interdiction is a not a regular mission set of 148 Battery ranks but thanks to the planning and interoperability of all involved this is a task which we are now highly confident in performing at short notice, adding yet another string to the bow of our JTACs. 

“While on the ground 148 Bty JTACs provided defence sensor plans and fires to in-depth targets from two Wildcats whilst in support of 42 Commando ranks conducting the assault process on the target vehicles.”