Royal Navy choppers swoop into Channel Islands for weekend drills

Royal Navy Helicopters to Train in Channel Islands This Weekend

Two Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopters are scheduled to visit the Channel Islands this weekend as part of a major training exercise.

One of the aircraft will touch down on the rugby pitch at Grainville School in Jersey on Friday morning, while the other is due to land at Port Soif playing field in Guernsey before flying on to Sark and Little Sark.

The exercise, running until Sunday, aims to give crews essential operational training while also strengthening ties with the islands’ governments, emergency services and cadet forces. In Jersey, the visit will also support troop training for the Jersey Field Squadron.

The helicopters belong to 846 Naval Air Squadron, a unit with a long history of amphibious assault operations. The squadron has provided battlefield support in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. It also maintains close links with Elizabeth College in Guernsey and Victoria College in Jersey.

Channel Islands emergency planning officer Kevin Murphy described the exercise as an “excellent training opportunity,” while reminding residents to be mindful of the noise.

“We want to reassure pet and livestock owners living near Grainville that the helicopters can generate significant sound,” he said. “We’re grateful for their patience and understanding during this important exercise.”