Page 124 - RSDG Year of 2023

122 EAGLE AND CARBINE
NUMBER II
(ARMY COOPERATION) SQN
Number II(AC) Squadron was founded on 13 May 1912 at Farnborough. Now based at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray flying the Typhoon FGR4, II (AC) Squadron is the senior squadron of the Royal Air Force. Known as ‘Shiny Two’ the Squadron’s mottos are ‘Hereward’ (Guardian of the Army) and ‘Second to None’.
RED FLAG 23-1 (JAN – FEB 23)
2023 began with II(AC) Squadron taking part in Ex RED FLAG 23-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The largest Air Exercise in the world, RED FLAG simulates the first 3 weeks of a peer warfighting environment to offer the most realistic air-combat training available. The team faced modern integrated Ground-Based Air Defence systems, aggressor aircraft that simulated a peer adversary, and cyber and space-based threats. The team integrated with LAND and MARITIME assets to achieve combat missions working with Australian and US allies. The Squadron flew 100% of required sorties and proved lethal in this environment, producing a kill to death ratio that was only bested by the American F-22 Raptor.
EX COBRA WARRIOR 23-1 (MAR 23)
Building on the experience gained at RED FLAG in Jan, II(AC) Squadron participated heavily in the UK led exercise COBRA WARRIOR (CW 23-1). CW is a large
scale, multinational exercise focusing on an air war within a peer-peer conflict.
EX PHEONIX EXTENDER (APR 23)
Ex PE provided an excellent stage for II(AC) Squadron to work alongside UK and US 5th Generation platforms. The aim of Ex PE was to increase the lethality of UK Combat Air, through increased cooperation, within an air to air environment, between Typhoon and F35.
OP GOLDEN ORB (APR - JUN 23)
Work began to prepare for HM the King’s Coronation Flypast (KCF). During the work-up the RAF Lossiemouth