RAF and Army Helicopters Deploy to Finland via Netherlands

British Royal Air Force and Army helicopters have deployed to Finland, with a stopover at Gilze-Rijen Air Base in the Netherlands.

The deployment, involving both RAF and Army Air Corps aircraft, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the UK and Finland. Finland, which joined NATO in 2023, has been increasing joint exercises and interoperability with allied forces.

The British contingent reportedly includes Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, Apache attack helicopters and Wildcat’s utility helicopters. These aircraft provide significant transport and combat capabilities to support joint training exercises. Gilze-Rijen Air Base in the southern Netherlands served as a strategic refueling and logistics stop for the helicopters en route to Finland.

The deployment is expected to last several weeks, with the British helicopters participating in multinational exercises alongside Finnish and other allied forces. These drills aim to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination, and readiness among NATO partners in northern Europe.

Defense analysts note this deployment demonstrates the UK’s commitment to supporting NATO’s eastern flank and building closer ties with Finland as a new alliance member.

On top of this British invasion also the first brand new Royal Netherlands Air Force AH-64E Apache’s flew their first missions as they replaced the old D-models of the RNLAF.