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Royal Navy Deploys Merlin Mk2s for Operation Iceblast

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 5:15 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Royal Navy deployed four Merlin Mk2 helicopters from HMS Gannet at Prestwick for Operation Iceblast.
The detachment tracked HMS Agamemnon’s first dive trials and escorted her to HM Naval Base Clyde on 2 October.
The Merlins provided search-and-rescue cover and assisted Royal Marines boarding the German ship FGS Berlin during Exercise Strike Warrior.
The Ministry of Defence will extend Merlin Mk2 and Mk4 service to 2040 with a £1.6 billion programme through 2029-30.

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Story summary

The Royal Navy deployed four Merlin Mk2 helicopters from HMS Gannet at Prestwick for Operation Iceblast.
The detachment tracked HMS Agamemnon’s first dive trials and escorted her to HM Naval Base Clyde on 2 October.
The Merlins provided search-and-rescue cover and assisted Royal Marines boarding the German ship FGS Berlin during Exercise Strike Warrior.
The Ministry of Defence will extend Merlin Mk2 and Mk4 service to 2040 with a £1.6 billion programme through 2029-30.