The air forces of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands completed an intensive flight phase over Salisbury Plain as part of the Guardian Defender exercise, a crucial step in preparation for joint Arctic operations in 2026.
The activity brought together British Commando Merlin and Wildcat helicopters with Dutch NH-90 helicopters, reinforcing four years of continuous cooperation within the UK–Netherlands amphibious partnership.
In addition to pilots, technical teams and support units participated in realistic training simulating casualty evacuation, detainee handling, and other operational scenarios. According to involved officers, Guardian Defender allows the refinement of essential tactics and procedures to enhance interoperability between the two nations within NATO.
The exercise is part of preparations for Cold Response 2026, which is expected to gather around 25,000 troops in northern Norway, and expands the Anglo-Dutch cooperation history that has lasted more than half a century. The current phase also included embarked operations, with Merlin helicopters training aboard the Dutch amphibious ship HNLMS Johan de Witt.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @RoyalNavy | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Dutch and British pilots have completed intensive sorties over Salisbury Plain as they prepare to operate on #NATO’s northern flank together next year. @RNASYeovilton
🔗 https://t.co/PhvhChliNK pic.twitter.com/9CWmPpLCm0
— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) December 4, 2025
