Between the English and Scottish border in north Cumbria, lies RAF Spadeadam, the premier facility in Europe where aircrews can practice manoeuvres and tactics against a variety of threats and targets, which they are likely to face in contemporary warfare:
"We provide vital electronic warfare training for joint forces from the UK, USA and other NATO nations, to help them prepare for operations," said Wing Commander PJ Wallace, Station Commander at RAF Spadeadam. "The scenarios we offer are aimed to closely replicate elements of real time situations that crews will face in Afghanistan, Iraq or any other potential theatres of operation.
"RAF Spadeadam provides a unique capability in the UK. Indeed, there are very few facilities of this type within Europe and we pride ourselves on being the best."
Squadron Leader Andy Coleman is responsible for ensuring that training activities run smoothly and efficiently:
"We operate pretty exotic kit, get to fight real battles against real aircraft and see low tactical flying and real time hard manoeuvres that test aircrew and aircraft" he explains.
"It is particularly exciting when we wage large scale virtual battles against aircrews that are well and truly up for it. On these more complex exercises we play a form of 3D chess, albeit at breakneck speed and over a board that covers most of Cumbria and
Northumberland and occasionally beyond, into Scotland. For the lads on the radars, it can be a lot of effort for a very brief moment in the limelight, but it is invariably gratifying when, during debriefs, the impact of our activity invariably attracts praise.
"Training scenarios and equipment can vary hugely. For example, the entire SA-6 surface to air missile (SAM) system is annotated in Russian, so operators are required to learn basic Russian technical symbols. For many it is engineering in the raw and they all enjoy the challenge of maintaining equipment that is unique.
"On the tactics front, training can include one-to-one training, a single aircraft training against a single threat radar practicing a specific manoeuvre, to multi aircraft simulated attacks on multiple targets against multiple threats. This variety of training is essential for our troops and we are in the privileged position of observing our Air Forces practicing and honing their airpower skills.
"Air Traffic Control (ATC) is directed by qualified ATC personnel so I have to remain up to the minute on airspace matters, for training to be conducted as safely as possible with a minimum of disruption. This is not easy as the Air Danger Area is flanked by a larger Army Training Area, an international airport and a smaller provincial airport."
Without ATC capability, aircraft would be unable to train effectively and provision of air support to the troops would be hindered. The threat radar at Spadeadam highlights threats, attacks and vulnerabilities which may compromise safety.
Defence Estates Safeguarding is responsible for ensuring the safety of aircraft (both military and civilian), as well as the safety of people on the ground. Adequate air defence radar coverage must also be protected to help maintain national security.
Julian Chafer, Head of Safeguarding, explained one of the major risks of radar interference.
"Defence Estates Safeguarding is at the forefront of studying and understanding the effects of wind turbines on radars in the UK. Where wind turbines are in direct line of sight of a radar they have a number of effects, regardless of the distance between the turbine and the radar.
"Turbine blades can create 'clutter' on a radar screen which can be identical to returns from real aircraft; mask radar returns from real aircraft; or create 'holes' in radar detection, which means that aircraft might not be detected at all as they fly over or close to the turbines.
"We are working with other bodies including NATO and Eurocontrol (the European aviation safety organisation) to try to find mitigation for the effects of turbines on radar. Whilst we assess each wind turbine proposal on a case by case basis, first and foremost, we must protect our assets and operational activities against anything that may adversely affect operations."
Defence Estates Safeguarding continues to do what is practicable to work with wind energy developers to find mutually acceptable solutions wherever possible. Being fully supportive of the Government's renewable energy targets, Defence Estates is working actively to address any possible conflicts between those targets and the need to properly protect MOD interests from potentially hazardous development.
As Tornados, Harriers, Nimrods, Chinooks, Pumas and Apaches continue to operate at the site, Defence Estates Safeguarding works diligently with RAF Spadeadam to maintain an active, vibrant and effective facility, which delivers a capability that is both relevant and properly focussed towards current and potential future operations.
This article is taken from the Spring 2009 edition of Estatement - delivering estate solutions to Defence needs.