Exercise Agile Pirate: RAF Support Force takes part in first collective exercise

RAF Support Force, the Royal Air Force's main capability to move anything in the world, has taken part in its first major collective exercise at RAF Wittering.

Exercise Agile Pirate brings together the skills of both regular and reservists of the RAF Support group to test their ability in working together ready to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice.

Their role in humanitarian aid, carrying cargo and casualties out of high-risk situations, has proved vital in recent operations.

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RAF Support Force combines the capabilities and skills needed to sustain modern air operations and exercises; specialist engineering and logistics, advanced military communications and tactical medical services.

Its full operating capability was achieved earlier this year, and Exercise Agile Pirate is the first collective training opportunity.

In the exercise scenario, RAF Wittering doubles as an austere airfield in a foreign country, with the Support Force deployed to provide the essential services on the ground to enable air operations.