Fire Blade 2025: A Triad of Team, Train and Trust
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| Austrian UH-1N and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters during exercise Fire Blade 2025. |
In May 2025, Hungary hosted FireBlade 2025 at Pápa Air Base, a multinational rotary-wing tactical exercise under the umbrella of the Multinational Helicopter Training Center (MHTC). The exercise reflected Europe’s commitment to enhancing helicopter training, rooted in standards established by the European Defence Agency (EDA) and finalized by the independent MHTC based at Sintra airbase in Portugal. It focused on collective multinational aircrew training in tactics, techniques, and procedures within a realistic combat environment.
Training Framework and Objectives
FireBlade follows the MHTC’s Standard Operating Procedure and employs the Air Force Planning Method based on the “3 Ts” ( ‘Team, Training & Trust’), integrating the COMAO (Composite Air Operations) structure. Each year, a member nation hosts the event. Hungary hosted the 2025 FireBlade exercise, including live-firing exercises. The structure of FireBlade builds from basic to complex missions in a “crawl-walk-run” approach.
According to Lt. Col. Zoltán Szili, deputy commander of the MHTC and former Mi-24 ‘Hind’ pilot:
“If I have to define FireBlade in only a few words, it will be three words: Team, Train, Trust.”
Col. Szili emphasized the importance of training entire crews, not just pilots. At FireBlade, graduates of the Helicopter Tactics Instructor Course (HTIC) mentor participants from mission planning to execution and debriefing. He explained:
“They mentor the crews from the moment they receive the mission task, through planning and execution, and finally during debriefing. They highlight strengths and areas for improvement. This is not just about flying, it’s about operational learning.”
Austria: Multiple Helicopter Types
Major Chris Kappl, commander of Austria’s Armed Multi-role Helicopter Squadron, led the Austrian detachment. A veteran Bell OH-58B pilot, he emphasized the Kiowa’s reliability:
“The helicopter entered service in 1976, which means that it is older than myself, but it is an easy to maintain and reliable helicopter.”
Austria participated with multiple aircraft including the OH-58B, UH-1N Huey, and UH-60 Black Hawk. Kappl praised the high quality of national preparation:
“Our crews have an easy ability to work in a multinational environment and provide solid solutions as well as good products.”
He also prepared to convert to the new AW169 platform.
A big “THANY YOU” for the Hungarian Air Force, the MHTC and all participating countries and crews
Text by Joris van Boven and Alex van Noije
All Photos by Joris van Boven and Alex van Noije
Training Framework and Objectives
FireBlade follows the MHTC’s Standard Operating Procedure and employs the Air Force Planning Method based on the “3 Ts” ( ‘Team, Training & Trust’), integrating the COMAO (Composite Air Operations) structure. Each year, a member nation hosts the event. Hungary hosted the 2025 FireBlade exercise, including live-firing exercises. The structure of FireBlade builds from basic to complex missions in a “crawl-walk-run” approach.
According to Lt. Col. Zoltán Szili, deputy commander of the MHTC and former Mi-24 ‘Hind’ pilot:
“If I have to define FireBlade in only a few words, it will be three words: Team, Train, Trust.”
Col. Szili emphasized the importance of training entire crews, not just pilots. At FireBlade, graduates of the Helicopter Tactics Instructor Course (HTIC) mentor participants from mission planning to execution and debriefing. He explained:
“They mentor the crews from the moment they receive the mission task, through planning and execution, and finally during debriefing. They highlight strengths and areas for improvement. This is not just about flying, it’s about operational learning.”
Hungary as Host Nation
Operational leadership was under Colonel Zoltán Rolko, deputy commander of Hungary’s 86th Helicopter Base. A veteran Mi-24 pilot with over 3000 hours, he is now Hungary’s most experienced pilot on the Airbus H225M Caracal. Rolko explained:
“The first time we hosted the exercise here was in 2017... It is the second time that I am the director of this exercise.”
He outlined a dual structure for organizing: logistics and operations. Pápa Air Base’s proven experience in hosting large exercises made it an ideal location. Scenarios were coordinated with MHTC mentors to align training goals in advance.
On Hungary’s motivation to host again, Rolko said:
“Hungary is a country on the border of the European Union and NATO territory... We feel the need to be ready at all times, and the best way to prepare our helicopter crews is by participating in this MHTC program.”
Hungary also provided access to the Kőröshegy live-fire range, vital for nations lacking such facilities. Rolko noted:
“Specialized training, such as live firing, is crucial for the survival of the crews in real scenarios... That is the specialty of this exercise. The name FireBlade is chosen for that reason.”
The Hungarian Air Force played multiple roles: flight ops, planning, issuing orders, and providing instructors like Rolko himself. He stated:
“I instruct only in the training part as an instructor... so I'm doing that.”
Operational leadership was under Colonel Zoltán Rolko, deputy commander of Hungary’s 86th Helicopter Base. A veteran Mi-24 pilot with over 3000 hours, he is now Hungary’s most experienced pilot on the Airbus H225M Caracal. Rolko explained:
“The first time we hosted the exercise here was in 2017... It is the second time that I am the director of this exercise.”
He outlined a dual structure for organizing: logistics and operations. Pápa Air Base’s proven experience in hosting large exercises made it an ideal location. Scenarios were coordinated with MHTC mentors to align training goals in advance.
On Hungary’s motivation to host again, Rolko said:
“Hungary is a country on the border of the European Union and NATO territory... We feel the need to be ready at all times, and the best way to prepare our helicopter crews is by participating in this MHTC program.”
Hungary also provided access to the Kőröshegy live-fire range, vital for nations lacking such facilities. Rolko noted:
“Specialized training, such as live firing, is crucial for the survival of the crews in real scenarios... That is the specialty of this exercise. The name FireBlade is chosen for that reason.”
The Hungarian Air Force played multiple roles: flight ops, planning, issuing orders, and providing instructors like Rolko himself. He stated:
“I instruct only in the training part as an instructor... so I'm doing that.”
Swiss Participation: Focus on Tactics
Lieutenant-Colonel Lukas Rechsteiner, Detachment Commander for Switzerland, brought over 6,000 rotary-wing and 2,000 fixed-wing hours. This was Switzerland’s third Blade exercise after two years in Portugal.
“This is the third time we are doing a helicopter detachment on a blade exercise... This is in view of the improvement of the defense capability, in view of international cooperation and a better cooperation between ground and air forces.”
Switzerland deployed three AS532 Cougar helicopters. Rechsteiner acknowledged the aging fleet but emphasized their continued effectiveness. He credited logistics, maintenance, and support teams for ensuring operational success:
“Thanks to their efforts, the crews could focus entirely on their missions.”
FireBlade provided Switzerland with a chance to improve tactical helicopter operations and integrate into international efforts.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lukas Rechsteiner, Detachment Commander for Switzerland, brought over 6,000 rotary-wing and 2,000 fixed-wing hours. This was Switzerland’s third Blade exercise after two years in Portugal.
“This is the third time we are doing a helicopter detachment on a blade exercise... This is in view of the improvement of the defense capability, in view of international cooperation and a better cooperation between ground and air forces.”
Switzerland deployed three AS532 Cougar helicopters. Rechsteiner acknowledged the aging fleet but emphasized their continued effectiveness. He credited logistics, maintenance, and support teams for ensuring operational success:
“Thanks to their efforts, the crews could focus entirely on their missions.”
FireBlade provided Switzerland with a chance to improve tactical helicopter operations and integrate into international efforts.
Austria: Multiple Helicopter Types
Major Chris Kappl, commander of Austria’s Armed Multi-role Helicopter Squadron, led the Austrian detachment. A veteran Bell OH-58B pilot, he emphasized the Kiowa’s reliability:
“The helicopter entered service in 1976, which means that it is older than myself, but it is an easy to maintain and reliable helicopter.”
Austria participated with multiple aircraft including the OH-58B, UH-1N Huey, and UH-60 Black Hawk. Kappl praised the high quality of national preparation:
“Our crews have an easy ability to work in a multinational environment and provide solid solutions as well as good products.”
He also prepared to convert to the new AW169 platform.
Slovakia: From Observers to Full Participants
Captain ‘Pablo’, a Slovakian UH-60M Black Hawk pilot, represented the new generation. Trained in Slovakia and the U.S., he praised the U.S. course:
“That was a six-month course in Alabama—academic sessions, simulator time, and live flights. It was perfect. I have to say that it was perfect.”
Since returning, he accumulated 300 Black Hawk hours. Slovakia’s participation reflects its growing rotary-wing capabilities and deeper NATO integration.
Captain ‘Pablo’, a Slovakian UH-60M Black Hawk pilot, represented the new generation. Trained in Slovakia and the U.S., he praised the U.S. course:
“That was a six-month course in Alabama—academic sessions, simulator time, and live flights. It was perfect. I have to say that it was perfect.”
Since returning, he accumulated 300 Black Hawk hours. Slovakia’s participation reflects its growing rotary-wing capabilities and deeper NATO integration.
Serbia: A Delayed but Strong Debut
Though a founding MHTC member, Serbia made its first Blade appearance in 2025. Lt. Col. Szili explained:
“Serbia has been a part of MHTC since its inception... Their integration began during the early years when MHTC was still in its formative stages.”
Serbia deployed a Mi-17 and an H-145M helicopter from the 890th Squadron. The H-145M supports fire-support, SAR, and reconnaissance. Serbia’s involvement marks a new stage in regional cooperation and modernization.
Though a founding MHTC member, Serbia made its first Blade appearance in 2025. Lt. Col. Szili explained:
“Serbia has been a part of MHTC since its inception... Their integration began during the early years when MHTC was still in its formative stages.”
Serbia deployed a Mi-17 and an H-145M helicopter from the 890th Squadron. The H-145M supports fire-support, SAR, and reconnaissance. Serbia’s involvement marks a new stage in regional cooperation and modernization.
Final Demonstration and Bad Weather
A large-scale demonstration was planned during the last week at the Kőröshegy range. Although the weather canceled the VIP event, a full rehearsal took place the day before. It included:
- JAS-39 Gripen gunnery
A large-scale demonstration was planned during the last week at the Kőröshegy range. Although the weather canceled the VIP event, a full rehearsal took place the day before. It included:
- JAS-39 Gripen gunnery
- Hungarian and Serbian H145M fire support
- Austrian Kiowa reconnaissance
- Landings by Hungarian H225M, Austrian UH-1N, Swiss Cougar to drop off Hungarian Special Forces
- Slovak UH-60 MEDEVAC mission to rescue a ‘wounded’ soldier
- The final exfiltration of theSspecial Forces by a multinational helicopter formation of a Hungarian H225M, Austrian UH-1N and Swiss Cougar
Participants and Equipment Overview
Hungary; H145M, H225M ‘Caracal’, JAS-39 Gripen (Gripens operated from Kecskemét)
Switzerland: H215M ‘Cougar’ (3 helicopters, 2 operational, 1 spare)
Austria: OH-58 ‘Kiowa’, UH-60 ‘Black Hawk’, UH-1N (Including a PC-6 for observation)
Slovakia: UH-60 ‘Black Hawk’
Serbia: H145M, Mi-17 (First Blade exercise participation)
Participants and Equipment Overview
Hungary; H145M, H225M ‘Caracal’, JAS-39 Gripen (Gripens operated from Kecskemét)
Switzerland: H215M ‘Cougar’ (3 helicopters, 2 operational, 1 spare)
Austria: OH-58 ‘Kiowa’, UH-60 ‘Black Hawk’, UH-1N (Including a PC-6 for observation)
Slovakia: UH-60 ‘Black Hawk’
Serbia: H145M, Mi-17 (First Blade exercise participation)
A big “THANY YOU” for the Hungarian Air Force, the MHTC and all participating countries and crews
All Photos by Joris van Boven and Alex van Noije
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