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Royal Navy and RAF operation sees Wildcat deployed to Gulf
27 March 2025
A complex operation to swap over a Wildcat helicopter deployed to the Middle East has taken place thanks to a combined effort from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
The 815 Naval Air Squadron AW159 Wildcat was flown to the region, to embark on HMS Lancaster, by a C-17 strategic transport aircraft to support counter-drug smuggling operations and offer security against other illegal activity.
The C-17 Globemaster aircraft from 99 Squadron, a part of the RAF’s Air Mobility Force, flew directly from the UK and on arrival the helicopter was then exchanged for the previously embarked Wildcat for transportation back home as part of a regular swapover following extensive operations in punishing environmental conditions.
The RAF also delivered supplies to Type 23 frigate Lancaster to ensure she can continue to be forward deployed to the Gulf where she is working as part of Operation Kipion.
The Wildcat helicopter plays an important role on board Lancaster and is used for a variety of tasks as the ship conducts operations in the region.
This includes on drug seizures – often flying ahead to the suspect vessel and providing support and information to the ship and her boarding crews.
Lieutenant Commander Rob Guest, the embarked 815 NAS Flight Commander aboard HMS Lancaster said: “The support provided by the RAF has enabled not only continued aviation operations from HMS Lancaster in the form of a new aircraft, but also the regeneration of the replaced aircraft now back at 815 NAS, providing increased Wildcat Maritime Force resilience for the future.”
The support provided by the RAF has...enabled increased Wildcat Maritime Force resilience for the future.
The operation was coordinated by one of the Royal Air Force forward deployed Expeditionary Air Wings.
Squadron Leader Becca McNeillie, 902 EAW Officer Commanding said: “Facilitating the delivery of a new helicopter to the region was a great example of a successful joint operation between the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
“It was a complex operation which required planning between both services and partner nations; we were delighted to be able to play our part in supporting HMS Lancaster and her crew.”
The C-17 which transported the naval helicopters is part of the strategic airlift capability of the RAF’s Air Mobility Force and demonstrates the RAF has the global reach to facilitate and sustain UK military operations at range anywhere in the world.
On the return to the UK the Wildcat helicopter will be transferred to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, the home of 815 Naval Air Squadron for deep maintenance and preparation before its next deployment.