Yesterday saw the first of three Antonov 124 cargo aircraft, which will deliver the 30 vehicles required by the British troops to support annual exercise ‘Quick Response 2016”. Approximately10 vehicles plus cargo per flight will arrive at Sarajevo International Airport. The Antonov 124 is the world’s second heaviest aircraft able to deliver 150 tons of equipment, perfectly suitable for the rapid movement of vehicles across the continent. This strategic lift capability enables the UK Intermediate Reserve Forces to deploy at extremely short notice in response to the request of the BiH authorities, if requested to do so.
All supporting elements will be working closely with Armed Forces BiH (AFBiH) combining training and sharing skills and experiences which will be demonstrated during the exercise. Over 750 Soldiers from EUFOR, Armed Forces BiH, United Kingdom, Austria and the NATO KFOR Tactical Reserve Company with Portuguese and Hungarian soldiers will work closely together in BiH. This regional exercise will also allow EUFOR Headquarters to exercise command and control in a large scale exercise. The troops will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience of patrolling, escorting, convoys, medical evacuation, extraction and evacuation.
