Wildcat helicopters showcased their capabilities during the Exercise Swift Response in Estonia, part of the larger Steadfast Defender series of manoeuvres, which marks the largest deployment of British troops in a generation aimed at deterring Russia, according to a press release.
The Wildcats, operated by the Army Air Corps’ 661 Squadron, provided close air support to ground troops.
Although the Apache AH-64E and CH-47 Chinook helicopters often garner more attention, the Wildcat’s ability to perform various roles makes it a valuable asset in modern military operations.
According to the British Army here, one evolving role for the Wildcat is as a Forward Air Controller (Airborne) or FAC(A). Traditionally, a Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC) on the ground manages aerial assets in a battle space. However, the Wildcat can assume this responsibility, providing vital battle management from the air. This capability allows Wildcat crews to take on more complex missions.
“The primary role of the Wildcat is that of a reconnaissance platform,” the press release explains. This role involves operating in the divisional deep “battle space”, gathering intelligence and relaying information to facilitate strikes on enemy targets. This ability to integrate and direct combat power makes the Wildcat essential in shaping enemy capabilities before a main assault.
Warrant Officer Class Two John Holmes, a Wildcat helicopter commander with 12 years of experience, described a typical mission scenario: “We’d fly out to a location. Utilizing our sensors, we’d fix the target by using our laser target designator to get an accurate grid. Once we’ve got that, we’d relay that back over and request the use of guns, and that would be forward on to an artillery radio net and that gun call sign would then conduct the necessary fires to achieve the effect.”
During Exercise Swift Response, the Wildcats guided Apaches to neutralize enemy anti-aircraft capabilities before CH-47 Chinooks landed British paratroopers at a disused Soviet-era air base in Kiltsi.
The Wildcats then provided close air support as the paratroopers engaged enemy targets on the ground.