29 Commando Regiment RA

7(Sphinx) Cdo Bty RA Ex Sphinx Cannon

The Gun Line

BV206 behind the Gun Line

7(Sphinx) Cdo Bty recently deployed on the annual Currency and Competency (C&C) Exercise Sphinx Cannon. The Bty deployed to Otterburn Training Area for the weeklong exercise in typically changeable weather. The main output of the exercise was to ensure the FSTs achieve C&C and are therefore able to continue supporting 45 Cdo RM as the premier fighting force in the High North.

This year’s iteration of Sphinx Cannon placed a strong emphasis on interoperability. Elements of 45 Cdo Mortar Tp and ASG enabled detachments to work closely alongside one another and provided valuable low level training opportunities. In addition, the teams from Y and Z Coys integrated seamlessly with the FSTs, further developing their close-knit working relationship.

Building on lessons learnt from the war in Ukraine, small Unmanned Air Systems were utilised by both the gun group and the FSTs to enhance situational awareness and correct fires. Further training on the use of these systems was carried out by Bty SMEs, helping to disseminate the knowledge and understanding of their use on the modern battlefield.