NAVY – HMS Albion Fends Off French Jets In Training Exercise

Eight French Rafale strike fighters have descended on HMS Albion as part of a practise scenario for both countries.

The simulated air attack allowed French pilots to hone their tactics, while also giving HMS Albion a chance to respond to being buzzed by the combat aircraft.

Albion is leading the Littoral Response Group (Experimentation) deployment, including destroyer HMS Dragon, amphibious support ship RFA Lyme Bay and elements of 3 Commando Brigade.

The ships are on a three-month deployment to the Mediterranean to test the equipment and practicalities of the Future Commando Force, as well as more traditional operations alongside NATO forces.

Lifting off from Lann-Bihoué air base on the outskirts of Lorient was an E-2 Hawkeye airborne early-warning and control aircraft, which directed the Rafales towards the group.

Dragon and her Sea Viper missiles should be able take out any incoming jets at long range.

However, failing that the task group has numerous automated Phalanx Gatling guns as well as a last resort of hand-operated machine-guns and SA80 rifles.

“The opportunity for joint training in an alliance as strong as that of the UK’s with France has been fantastic,” said pilot Lieutenant Tom Lennon, who is assigned to the task group staff for this deployment.

“To have eight French fast jets attacking the UK’s Littoral Response Group has provided invaluable training for both parties. 

“Watching Rafale jets close in on the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship and seeing her dynamic response was extremely rewarding. 

“Exercises like these improve our ability to defend at home and, if needs be, fight abroad.”

Prior to setting off for the Mediterranean this month, a number of HMS Albion’s crew members tested positive for coronavirus.

Those affected began self-isolating on land, while the rest of the amphibious assault ship’s personnel sailed into UK waters to quarantine on the vessel.

Cover image: The simulated attack on HMS Albion (PIcture: Royal Navy).