As part of a demonstration of their rotary-wing capabilities, the Armies of France and the United Kingdom carried out an Elephant Walk that included a wide range of helicopters such as the AH-64 Apache, Gazelle, Wildcat, and Chinook. The event took place at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk, with its main goal—according to official statements—being to reaffirm both nations’ ability to work together within a single force and contribute to collective defense under NATO.
Expanding on the details, the British Army stated that a total of eight Apache, ten Wildcat, two Chinook, and four Gazelle helicopters took part in the Elephant Walk. This group is part of a larger force currently participating in Exercise Pinion Titan, which involves up to 50 helicopters, 1,000 vehicles, and around 2,000 soldiers under the command of the Army’s 1st Aviation Brigade. The wider contingent also includes the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Army, as well as French troops from the Armée de Terre.
Citing official statements from Brigadier Nick English, Commander of the 1st Aviation Brigade: “The aerial parade is an impressive display of strength and readiness. Preparing four different types of aircraft to fly together is a significant engineering and logistical achievement. It shows us—and any potential adversaries—that we possess the teamwork and coordination required for real combat operations.” It is worth recalling that Exercise Pinion Titan represents the culmination of a broader modernization process launched in 2020, which led to the creation of the 1st Brigade itself—now integrating various types of drones and advanced communication systems, making it one of the most capable formations within the Alliance.
Regarding the organization of the exercise, which will run until the end of the month, it begins with an initial training phase at Wattisham Airfield, where forces are being organized into two large battle groups led by the 3rd and 4th Regiments of the British Army Air Corps. Once this stage is complete, the units will redeploy to bases in northern England that will serve as launch points for operations. From there, the platforms will conduct training missions over Scottish airspace, including simulated attacks on enemy artillery targets and installations in support of ground forces.
From the French side, Captain Damien, the officer in charge of the contingent sent for the occasion, stated that this is the first time many of his soldiers have integrated into a combined force alongside British and American allies, making the exercise a key opportunity to share procedures that enhance interoperability for the future. In his own words: “For most of the soldiers, it is the first time working with allied forces, but we can see that France and Britain share a common military culture. This will lead to smooth integration and the development of a joint force with strong tactical capabilities.”
*Image credits: British Army
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