A squadron based at RAF Leuchars in Fife is being put through its final paces ahead of its deployment to Afghanistan.
Members of 58 Squadron, RAF Regiment, are due in the country in April.
They have just completed two weeks of operational training at Kirkcudbright Training Ranges in Dumfries and Galloway.
A spokesman described the training as a “critical step” in the squadron’s comprehensive programme of preparation ahead of the Afghan mission.
“Their deployment later this year forms part of 6 Force Protection Wing to co-ordinate and deliver the defence of Camp Bastion from indirect fire and ground attack,” he said.
“The scenario-based training at Kirkcudbright replicates as closely as possible the complexities of the mission 58 Squadron will be delivering in Afghanistan.”
The spokesman said the training had been given an extra dimension thanks to fast air support provided by the multi-role Typhoon aircraft of 6 Squadron at RAF Leuchars.
“This has given the airmen on the ground the opportunity to enhance their ability to work with direct air support-a key battlefield skill for the RAF Regiment,” he said.
Squadron leader Dave Stellitano said, “Kirkcudbright offers the squadron an excellent and necessary opportunity, right on our doorstep, to exercise life-saving drills and deliver theatre-specific training scenarios focusing completely on the upcoming Bastion deployment,” he said.
Air officer for Scotland and station commander at RAF Leuchars, Air Commodore Harry Atkinson, believes 58 Squadron will make a “vital contribution” in Afghanistan.
“NATO air power provides a real military advantage for the ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces over the Taliban, primarily providing rapid deployment, imagery, intelligence, resupply and where necessary precision munitions, in support of the troops on the ground,” he added.
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