Hungary hosts European rotary-wing „Top Gun”

The training program culminated in the planning and execution of a composite air operation. The would-be helicopter tactics instructors were assigned a tactical task to be carried out with fighter jets and land forces. The HTIC is the “Top Gun” of helicopter pilots of European countries.

The academics and the simulator phase of the training (Ground Phase) that took up the first four weeks of the annually organized seven-week training was held on Sintra Air Base, Portugal, which houses the Multinational Helicopter Training Centre, whereas its three-week Flying Phase has been organized on Pápa Air Base since 2021. The participants have a serious physical and mental workload, and the instructors are continuously monitoring them and assessing their performance.

During the practice phase, the aircrews were assigned various tasks such as maneuvers in tactical formations, maneuvers against fighter aircraft and air defence systems, as well as anti-jamming procedures, convoy escort and the stopping of motor vehicles. The training culminates in the planning and execution of a composite air operation: the would-be helicopter tactics instructors are to carry out a tactical task while cooperating with fighter jets and land force units.

The knowledge of the specialists trained in the HTIC program significantly contributes to the future development of the national helicopter tactics training system. Hungary has undertaken to host the course until 2029. Besides Hungary’s Airbus H145M and Airbus H225M helicopters, Portugal participated in the training with EH-101 Merlin, Slovakia with UH-60 Black Hawk, Germany with Sikorsky CH-53 and NHIndustries NH-90 types. The role-play of the fighter jets was provided by the Aero L-159 Alca light combat aircraft and advanced trainers piloted by Czech airmen, as well as by Hungary’s JAS 39 Gripen light fighter-bomber aircraft. Austria, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden contributed instructors to the exercise. Hungary and Slovenia also sent land force units to the training course.

According to Colonel Zsolt Simon, Vice-Commander, HDF 86th Helicopter Wing, the significance of the exercise lies in the fact that the instructors trained here can later train their own helicopter pilots. “I can safely say that the bests of the bests are here to further improve their knowledge and skills, regardless of whether they work as transport helicopter pilots or SOF helicopter pilots. Ten nations are participating in the course, to which Hungary provides accommodation, catering and hangars, as well as airspace and training areas. The airmen learn and instruct tactical procedures and maneuvers, evasive maneuvers against fighter aircraft and aerial reconnaissance equipment as well as maneuvers against air defence assets while flying either solo or in formation.”

MHTC Chief Instructor, Swedish Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Rickard Rörberg has participated in the HTIC for the ninth time. “As chief instructor, I planned the exercise for the trainees. We teach the course participants how to maneuver in hostile environments. We are very happy to be here in Hungary, because the Hungarian air force is giving us excellent support.