UK took part in the Exercise Northern Strike 25, in northern Finland, alongside its allies

12:45, Tue, Jun 17, 2025 | UPDATED: 12:52, Tue, Jun 17, 2025

War concept. Military training ground with the explosions. Fighting operation

The UK deployed the newly-acquired helicopters as part of a NATO exercise. (Image: Getty)

The British military's £2billion Apache gunships and rocket systems have for the first time taken part in a live-fire exercise in Europe, alongside allied NATO forces.

The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (3RHA) were involved in the Exercise Northern Strike 25, in Finland, as the military alliance faced cold-weather conditions as part of its Arctic strategy.

The regiment fired guided rockets with its Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) while working alongside Apache AH-64E helicopters from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps.

The MLRS system is capable of firing up to 12 rockets in under a minute at targets more than 50 miles away.

Troops from the UK, Finland, Sweden and other nations cooperate in the live-fire drills, as tensions continue to mount in the region as Russia builds up a military presence on its border with Finland.

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The UK purchased 50 Apache AH-64Es from the United States. (Image: Getty)

The joint operation displayed the British Army’s ability to haul heavy precision-fire systems at speed with the systems being flown into Sweden before being deployed in its neighbouring ally.

The aforementioned AH-64E Apache helicopters provided air cover for the MLRS as part of the exercise.

The AH-64E attack helicopter is designed to source and destroy enemy tanks, armoured vehicles and air defence units in all weather conditions.

The British Army purchased 50 of the US-made crafts for an estimated cost of £1.8billion.

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A British Army update confirmed that "this is the first time UK rocket systems and Apaches have operated together in Europe," during the multinational drills.

The statement added: “Joint exercises like Northern Strike 25 demonstrate the UK’s commitment to NATO, new NATO members and our international partners.

"They ensure that the UK and its allies can integrate and operate in combat situations.”