JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser.
For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.
Equipped with the fearsome AugustaWestland Wildcat AH1 combat helicopter, 847 Naval Air Squadron provides reconnaissance, air support and anti-armour capabilities to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.
All personnel in 847 are trained in specialised fieldcraft and survival techniques that allow them to operate in extreme environments, from icy tundra to desert conditions. It is one of the smallest in the Royal Navy, with fewer than 100 personnel. As the only Commando Helicopter Force squadron to use the Wildcat AH Mk1 combat helicopter, 847 more than lives up to its motto: Ex Alto Concutimus (‘We Strike From On High’).
Total range
Total length
Top speed
847 Naval Air Squadron is permanently held at Readiness State 2, meaning that it can deploy anywhere in the world within five days. The skills of this highly versatile squadron include:
United Kingdom
Putting our craft, kit and people through their paces so they perform to the highest standards.
Deployed to the icy tundra of the Arctic Circle as part of Joint Helicopter Command, training to operate and fight in austere conditions. Exercising with 847 NAS, 45 Cdo RM, and CLR in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 22.
Get Directions
View all related news
The outstanding efforts of Commando Helicopter Force engineer Harry McMillan at work, at home and in the...
28 February 2023
Royal Navy chefs, helicopter engineers, logistics experts and ground and air crew have...
16 February 2023
Topic:Fighting armsFleet Air Arm
Storyline: CHF
Royal Marines spearheaded the UK’s largest combined amphibious exercises in years as...
12 October 2022
Topic:Fighting armsRoyal Marines
Storyline: Europe
The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force put on a formidable display of firepower with United...
23 September 2022
Topic:Fighting armsSurface Fleet
Storyline: HMS Westminster
Five pilots and two aircrewmen are ready to fly Royal Marines into harm’s way if...
14 July 2022
847 Naval Air Squadron provides armed reconnaissance and light transport capabilities to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines on deployments across the globe. Since its formation at the height of the Second World War, 847 has won battle honours in the East Indies, the Falklands and Iraq.
847 Naval Air Squadron began life as a torpedo bomber and reconnaissance squadron in 1943, serving with HMS Illustrious in the Far East.
In its next incarnation, 847 was deployed to Cyprus to monitor arms smuggling. It performed this duty for three years before being broken up.
Unrest in Indonesia prompted the squadron’s return in May 1963, a reappearance which lasted 18 months. Before the decade was out, 847 was back, flying Westland Wessex helicopters in the Far East.
847 Naval Air Squadron was hastily reformed in order to support the liberation of the Falklands. More than 20 Westland Wessex helicopters were sent south with the squadron.
The squadron arrived in the South Atlantic in time to support the latter stages of the push on Stanley. With the Falklands safe, 847 was no longer needed and that autumn its brief renaissance came to an end.
The present incarnation was born on 1 September 1995 with the breakup of 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron.
The attack helicopters of 847, armed with anti-tank missiles, were responsible for mauling Saddam Hussein’s armour in fierce fighting around Basra.
From divers to chefs, musicians to engineers, there’s a whole world of career options with the Royal Navy. Join us to be part of something special, protecting our nation’s interests, all over the world.
Find out more
Want all the latest news from 847 Naval Air Squadron? Add this page to your favourites.
favourites
Highly skilled pilots, engineers and aircrew help make the Fleet Air Arm one of the most crucial parts of the service.
The UK has a responsibility to its citizens and its allies to endeavour to safeguard the high seas. This is why the Royal Navy protects home and international waters.
By forging international partnerships with friendly nations, we're better able to protect the UK's interests, both at home and abroad. Find out more here.
