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Deployed on NATO's enhanced Air Policing on the Alliance's eastern flank, Royal Air Force personnel deployed on Operation Biloxi 2026 are strengthening interoperability with allies through an extensive programme of multinational training exercises and Defence engagement activities across Romania.
While maintaining a continuous Air Policing commitment, RAF personnel of 121 Expeditionary Air Wing with Typhoon aircraft from 3 Fighter Squadron have maximised every opportunity to train alongside NATO partners, enhancing collective readiness and reinforcing the Alliance's ability to operate as a unified force.
Throughout the deployment, personnel have worked alongside military partners from eight NATO nations, delivering joint training across air and land domains. These activities have developed shared tactics, strengthened professional relationships and increased the effectiveness of allied forces operating together in the Black Sea region.
One of the largest training serials was Exercise Beastling Monolith, which brought together personnel from across NATO to conduct advanced Air-Land Integration and Close Air Support training. Working with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) from allied nations, RAF crews practised the coordination required to deliver effective combat air power in support of ground forces.
RAF personnel have also participated in Exercise Neptune Strike, contributing to NATO's wider efforts to demonstrate the Alliance's ability to integrate and employ combat power across multiple domains. The exercise highlighted the importance of multinational cooperation in maintaining a credible and responsive deterrent.
Most recently, Exercise Beastling Redback brought together UK, French and Romanian JTACs with RAF Typhoon and Romanian F-16 aircraft in a realistic combined-arms environment. Operating in support of armoured manoeuvre and Military Operations in Urban Terrain scenarios, multinational teams conducted a series of close air support serials, including both dry and live-strafe training.
A key feature of the exercise was the seamless transfer of aircraft control between UK, French and Romanian JTACs, demonstrating the high level of interoperability achieved between NATO partners. By integrating allied controllers, aircraft and ground forces into complex operational scenarios, Beastling Redback enhanced collective capability and ensured participating nations remain ready to operate together effectively in support of NATO's collective defence.
"Operation Biloxi has provided an outstanding opportunity to train and operate alongside our NATO allies. While Air Policing remains our primary task, every opportunity between readiness commitments has been used to strengthen interoperability and enhance collective capability,” said Officer Commanding 3 Fighter Squadron, Wing Commander Griffiths.
The deployment has demonstrated that NATO's strength lies not only in its capability, but in the ability of Allied nations to train, operate and respond together. Through Operation Biloxi 26, the RAF continues to play a leading role in supporting collective defence, building interoperability and contributing to security and stability across NATO.
