17-06-2025
British Army's £2bn gunships ready to protect NATO allies from Russia
Apache helicopters take part in live-fire exercise in Europe for the first time
The British military's £2billion Apache gunships and rocket systems have participated in a live-fire exercise in Europe for the first time, alongside allied NATO forces.
The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (3RHA) took part in Exercise Northern Strike 25, in Finland, as the military alliance braved cold-weather conditions as part of its Arctic strategy.
The regiment fired guided rockets from its Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) while working in tandem with Apache AH-64E helicopters from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps.
The MLRS system has the capability to fire up to 12 rockets in under a minute at targets over 50 miles away.
Troops from the UK, Finland, Sweden and other nations collaborated in the live-fire drills, amid escalating tensions in the region due to Russia's increasing military presence on its border with Finland, reports the Express.
The joint operation showcased the British Army's capacity to rapidly transport heavy precision-fire systems, with the systems being flown into Sweden before being deployed in its neighbouring ally.
The aforementioned AH-64E Apache helicopters provided air cover for the MLRS during the exercise.
The AH-64E attack helicopter is engineered to locate and annihilate enemy tanks, armoured vehicles and air defence units in all weather conditions.
The British Army acquired 50 of these US-made crafts at an estimated cost of £1.8billion.
A British Army update has confirmed that "this is the first time UK rocket systems and Apaches have operated together in Europe," while taking part in the multinational exercises.
Their statement also noted: "Joint exercises like Northern Strike 25 demonstrate the UK's commitment to NATO, new NATO members and our international partners."
Adding, "They ensure that the UK and its allies can integrate and operate in combat situations."
