Cargo Delivery System air drop makes British Forces South Atlantic Islands history
22 Apr 2025
Group Captain Adele Stratton
Deputy Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands
Based out of Mount Pleasant Complex in the British Forces Atlantic Islands (BFSAI), the Atlas A400M aircrew air dropped CDS in the vicinity of Goose Green last week.
Dropping 24 pallets, weighing approximately 900kg each, it is the largest cargo drop carried out by the RAF in recent years, and the largest drop carried out in the Falkland Islands from a single aircraft.
Carried out by 1312 Flight, a part of 905 Expeditionary Air Wing in the Falkland Islands, it was supported by 47 Air Dispatch, No.30 Squadron, and No 70. Squadron from RAF Brize Norton.
The drop was conducted at a height of 3000 feet, something that is challenging to achieve within the UK, and has been valuable in providing proof of concept for large scale drops which could be used in support of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
The air drop was woven into a 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) exercise who were tasked to support the 47AD Air Controller, maintaining communication with the A400M throughout the mission. 2RGR were tasked with the security and recovery of the dropped crates and worked alongside BFSAI’s MT and logistics assets. Such participation of Joint Services provided valuable training for both soldiers and aviators alike.
This A400 air drop has shown what a great Whole Force training opportunity being stationed in the Falkland Islands presents for British Forces. We have received fantastic support from the whole local community, but especially the Goose Green Community and Royal Falkland Island Police without whom it would not have been possible. This air drop was the culmination of a lot of hard work by personnel in the UK and here in the Falkland Islands, and it sets the benchmark for opportunities in the future.
