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EXERCISE HYPERION STORM

4th Battalion, Ranger Regiment (4 RANGER), using Jackal 2 assault vehicles launch a mock attack on an enemy position at Otterburn training camp in Northumberland.

Conducted over two weeks in January 2026, Exercise HYPERION STORM is a validation exercise for the Task Groups who will be under the command of the Special Operations Command Centre (SOCC). After two years of intensive preparation and training, including the building of a new NATO Joint Operations Headquarters, the UK is ready to lead the NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF) Special Operations Component. Growing in complexity, the rigorous training has built on the skills required for Special Operations to ensure they are fully interoperable with NATO partners. Unique in that it commands a Joint Special Operations Force (SOF) of Maritime, Land and Air task groups, the Special Operations Component Command (SOCC) was successfully validated in Norway by the NATO Special Operations Forces Command Evaluation team.