World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
Royal Navy deploys four Merlin helicopters to rehearse Clyde submarine defence
The Royal Navy sent four Merlin anti-submarine helicopters and about 90 personnel to Prestwick in Scotland for a short-notice deployment called Operation Iceblast.
The team came from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall and operated from HMS Gannet, near the approaches to HMNB Clyde, where Britain’s submarine-based nuclear deterrent is based.
The deployment tested whether the force could quickly operate from a forward base away from Cornwall and manage the extra logistics and coordination this requires.
The helicopters used dipping sonar to track HMS Agamemnon, the newest Astute-class nuclear attack submarine, during its dive trials.
They also supported NATO training in Scotland, including search-and-rescue cover for Royal Marines practising boarding operations with the German ship FGS Berlin.
A drone team provided additional security around the Clyde, while the helicopters also monitored parts of the North Atlantic.
Lessons from the deployment will be used in future procedures and training.
The Royal Navy sent four Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine warfare helicopters and around 90 personnel from Cornwall to Prestwick for Operation Iceblast.
The short-notice deployment tested the force’s ability to operate from a forward base and rehearse protection of the submarine approaches to HMNB Clyde.
The helicopters used dipping sonar to track HMS Agamemnon during dive trials and escorted the submarine on its arrival at HMNB Clyde.
The detachment also supported Exercise Strike Warrior, including search-and-rescue cover for Royal Marines practising boarding operations with the German ship FGS Berlin.
A 700X Naval Air Squadron drone team provided additional security around the Clyde.
- Who
- The Royal Navy deployed four Merlin Mk2 helicopters and around 90 personnel from 814 and 824 Naval Air Squadrons, with support from a 700X NAS drone team.
- What
- Operation Iceblast tested forward deployment and rehearsed protection of the waters around the UK’s submarine base.
- When
- The deployment lasted a fortnight; its exact start date is not stated.
- Where
- The helicopters operated from HMS Gannet at Prestwick and worked around HMNB Clyde in Scotland.
- Why
- To test the ability to deploy and sustain anti-submarine operations away from Culdrose and strengthen readiness to protect the submarine force.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Exercise Strike Warrior ran in Scotland, with Merlin helicopters working alongside NATO partners.
The Merlins escorted HMS Agamemnon on its arrival at HMNB Clyde, according to Navy Lookout.
The Merlin detachment operated from HMS Gannet at Prestwick under Operation Iceblast.
- Helicopters deployed
- Four Merlin Mk2 aircraft
- Personnel deployed
- Around 90
- Forward operating base
- HMS Gannet, Prestwick
- Submarine tracked
- HMS Agamemnon, an Astute-class nuclear attack submarine
- Exercise Strike Warrior
- 28 September to 9 October 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Operation Iceblast demonstrated exactly what Culdrose and Merlin Helicopter Force are designed to do. That is to deploy at short notice and deliver warfighting readiness from a forward location with a world-class [ASW] capability – whenever and wherever it is required.
This exercise tested our ability to operate across multiple sites simultaneously. Together, these activities demonstrated the agility, readiness and professionalism of our personnel.
The strategic environment demands constant vigilance.