Apache in Exercise Lightning Force

RAF SPADEADAM in Cumbria hosted six helicopters from the Apache Conversion Unit (653 Squadron/3 Regiment Army Air Corps), based at RAF Wattisham, Suffolk, during Exercise Lightning Force held from May 8-26. The exercise is designed to give personnel converting to the Apache experience in operational flying over challenging terrain and in a contested air environment. RAF Spadeadam offers students the opportunity to practise these skills in daylight and nighttime scenarios. The base also has threat systems that recreate a realistic