A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron took part in a demanding five-day exercise designed to test and enhance air defense against emerging crewless and autonomous technology.
Exercise Wildfire saw the navy’s Wildcat Maritime Force work alongside the French navy in a series of realistic scenarios and ensured readiness for future operations for all personnel involved. It enabled the nations to strengthen their partnership in realistic operational environments.
The French Strike Group gathered off the coast of Toulon, comprising six ships, including an air defense frigate, a Chevallier-class supply vessel, a La Fayette-class frigate, two air defense destroyers, and, for the first time, a helicopter assault ship.
Alongside the UK Wildcat HMA2 helicopter, the French provided Rafale Marine fighter jets, a maritime patrol aircraft, and various helicopters for the annual exercise, which is in its sixth year.
Throughout the exercise, the Wildcat was central to a series of air defense serials—detecting, tracking, and engaging in a range of uncrewed aerial and surface threats.
Demonstrating the effectiveness of the aircraft’s advanced sensors and weapons systems, the Wildcat successfully defended the task group during live engagements, making use of its Martlet missiles.
Lieutenant Harriet Austin, from RNAS Yeovilton-based 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), said: “Exercise Wildfire provided a great opportunity to train alongside our French counterparts in a realistic and demanding environment.
“The exercise highlighted the effectiveness of the Wildcat and Martlet weapon system against modern threats while strengthening the close partnership between our two navies.
“Training like this is essential to ensuring we are ready to defend maritime task groups alongside partnering NATO allies.”
The exercise also saw the first testing of the French’s Rampart defense system—fired from the landing helicopter dock ship and shooting down a target with a laser-guided rocket.
Other defense measures tested included interceptor drones designed to defend against other drones and surface vessels.
