Page 72 - Cormorant Issue 20 2017

PAGE 70
Means Regional Security Exercise to Sweden and Denmark
Wg Cdr Duncan Clark
THE MEANS MODULE WAS scheduled to visit Sweden and Denmark for a Regional Security Exercise from the 18th to 23rd June 2017. The
aim of the visit was to evaluate the UK’s approach to ‘Means’ by analysing how capability is delivered overseas, utilising Sweden
and Denmark as case studies. Visits were planned to both countries’ armed forces, together with SAAB and Maersk to provide an alternative perspective.
The journey began well-enough, and a senior of cer from RAF Brize Norton seized the opportunity to brief the module in the departure lounge on the Station’s capabilities and contribution to world-wide operations; ‘98.5% serviceability for the Voyager’ and ‘gone are the bad old days of VC10 and Tristar’! Unfortunately,
a few hours later, and following a high speed aborted take-off due to a pitot-static issue, our arrival in Sweden would now be delayed by 48 hours. This resulted in the cancellation of the visit to the Swedish Defence University, which would have included brie ngs on the role of their Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces and procurement agency, in addition to the cancellation of the planned visit to SAAB Jafalla.
“
Nevertheless, the module made the most of the delay with an impromptu SRA in the College Farm!
Following a ight to Stockholm and transport to the Swedish Air Force museum, the module was hosted
at an excellent dinner by SAAB, seated amongst the aircraft displays in the central hall. It was fascinating to learn of the formation of SAAB in the lead up to World War II, and Sweden’s indigenous aircraft industry to re ect its overtly neutral status throughout the Cold War.
The following day included a visit to SAAB Linköping to learn about the company, their products and
the unique relationship between the Swedish
issue...
◆◆◆
...following
a high speed aborted take-off
due to a pitot-static
First, unsuccessful, attempt in a Voyager to reach Sweden, followed by the second, successful, attempt, in an A400M. Perhaps ‘50% of the time we’ll get you there 100% of the time on time’