Royal Marines from 42 Commando have been training on vehicle interdiction, a critical military tactic that involves stopping and inspecting vehicles to identify and neutralise potential threats.
The interdiction training, which was part of Exercise Emerald Razor, took place at Keevil Airfield in Wiltshire, England, where the Royal Marines employed helicopters and sniper units to neutralize suspect vehicles. Wildcat helicopters deployed Royal Marines onto the airfield, where they set up a secure perimeter and carried out vehicle inspections. Wildcat helicopters provided aerial reconnaissance and support to the ground operation.
Exercise Emerald Razor was conducted over two days and was spearheaded by the Wildcats of 847 Naval Air Squadron from the Commando Helicopter Force, with the participation of a Merlin from 846 Naval Air Squadron. The primary force consisted of a sniper team and assault troops from Plymouth-based 42 Commando who delivered the main impact as the helicopters operated in pairs to intercept targets and deploy troops for an assault on the vehicles. Pilots were tasked with executing highly intricate manoeuvres to pursue and accurately position their aircraft for the interception of the vehicles.
Lieutenant Robert Hartwell of 42 Commando said: “Heliborne Vehicle interdiction is a vital component of the Royal Marines’ Operational playbook allowing us to target suspect vehicles swiftly and decisively for rapid interdiction.”
“The ability for us to conduct this training alongside other elements from the Commando Force allows us to enhance our interoperability proving the concept and ultimately contributing to success on future operations.”
Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) from the 148 Battery of 29 Commando also participated in the exercise. These Commandos collaborate closely with aircraft from the ground to initially identify a target and subsequently track and eliminate it if necessary.
Captain Harry Higgins, from 148 Battery, said: “This was once again a great training event for the JTACs involved. Vehicle Interdiction is a not a regular mission set of 148 Battery ranks but thanks to the planning and interoperability of all involved this is a task which we are now highly confident in performing at short notice, adding yet another string to the bow of our JTACs.”
“While on the ground 148 Bty JTACs provided defence sensor plans and fires to in-depth targets from two Wildcats whilst in support of 42 Commando ranks conducting the assault process on the target vehicles.”
42 Commando
42 Commando is part of the UK Commando Force and is a Very High Readiness (VHR) force capable of delivering special operations with a specific expertise in maritime operations. 42 Commando are experts in high threat Maritime Security Operations (MSO), Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIOps), Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR) and Support and Influence Operations (S&I).
