By Sarah Newstead

Last updated 12:12, Thursday, 20 March 2008

DUTCH troops took to Cumbrian skies in a training exercise at RAF Spadeadam yesterday.

• View more pictures...
• Video Watch the exercise

Direct approach: Dutch soldiers use the fast rope technique to gain immediate access to the battle zone

A platoon from the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces teamed up with a Dutch Air Defence Unit to simulate a mock battle and kidnap situation using stinger surface to air missiles.

Dutch Chinook and Super Puma helicopters were deployed from their temporary base at Carlisle Airport and 25 soldiers practiced manoeuvres to defend and attack in a warfare situation.

Major Adrie Batenburg, who was the ‘target’ of the kidnapping exercise said: “Someone has to do it.

“You need opposing forces who can do some role play as the enemy.”

The exercise came as part of a two-week stay in Cumbria for the air unit and platoon from the 11th Defence Company headed by Major Batenburg.

The soldiers were also fast roping – a technique that involves them sliding down ropes from a hovering helicopter into combat position on hostile turf.

Major Batenburg said: “It is so we can approach nearly every place like when the ground is wet or the floor is not accessible for the helicopter.

He added that RAF Spadeadam was a perfect place to train alongside the air force as it offered unparalleled electronic warfare facilities such as radar.

RAF Flight Lieutenant Kate Cochrane said: “The Dutch are just one of the many NATO countries that come over and use Spadeadam. Their air crews are learning how to deal with land threats from simulated weapon systems.

“If you think about it in realistic terms, in Afghanistan where are own troops have to go in and take people out, they put these manoeuvres to use.”

“Having spoken to Major Batenburg, I asked him why he picked Spadeadam, he said it was the Dutch Air Force that did so because we are unique here. We are very much a stage for putting training into use.”

Other facilities at the 9,600 acre site that attracts armed forces from other countries include a bombing range and a mock airfield.