One specific area of Northumberland has emerged as a key training ground for the British Army as they ramp up their modernisation programme and embrace the benefits of drone technology.

Kielder Forest, located just to the west of Otterburn Camp, has recently been used by the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, for a number of training exercises, named Exercise Viking Strike.

Kielder Forest is particularly important for these training missions because of its unique natural features with its trees, density of foliage and the lay of the land best replicating the terrain and obstacles as seen in a potential key battleground in any future conflicts.

Maj Chris Lloyd of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, told the Gazette: “Kielder Forest is the closest representation that we can find of north east Europe within the British Army training areas that we have access to.

Two soldiers and a drone at Kielder Forest, just west of Otterburn Camp, during exercise Viking Strike.

placeholder image — Two soldiers and a drone at Kielder Forest, just west of Otterburn Camp, during exercise Viking Strike.

“It represents the terrain so it is a good opportunity for us to train for somewhere that we may have to operate in later.”

Operation Viking Strike saw the Army demonstrate and practice how best to integrate new technology into their traditional operations.

A number of drones, including reconnaissance and strike, were piloted remotely during the training exercises with simulated drills being carried out in strong winds, pushing both the pilot and technology to their respective limits.

A Gereon uncrewed ground vehicle, an autonomous tracked utility vehicle that can be used to supply ammunition or extract casualties from the battlefield was also tested in Kielder Forest.