A HKP15A seen during a night sortie at the Villingsberg shooting range.
INITIAL FLIGHT TRAINING
Today, all Swedish military helicopter pilots begin their careers at the German International Helicopter Training Center in Bückeburg, regardless of their eventual specialization. After their training in Bückeburg, the trainees return to Sweden and continue their program at the Flygvapnet. At the 3rd Helicopter Squadron of the Flygskolan (Flight School) at Luftstridsskolan (LSS), the trainees will fly the HKP15 for the first time. Since the flight school does not operate its own helicopters, it relies on the helicopter wing’s fleet.
Flight school is followed by a year of Combat Readiness Training (CRT) with Pantesjös’ 22nd helicopter squadron or the 31st naval-oriented squadron. He said, “The 22nd is placed under the 2nd Helicopter Unit and part of the Helicopter Wing. During their CRT, my trainees refine their skills in realistic scenarios. After completing CRT, pilots may remain within the light helicopter unit or transition to the HKP14F/N (NH-90) or HKP16A (UH-60M), Swedish medium-lift platforms.”
FROM TRANSPORT TO FIRE SUPPORT
In addition to their primary CRT mission, Pantesjö’s unit carries out a wide range of other tasks, including personnel transport, reconnaissance, and general utility operations. In recent years, a new capability has been introduced: aerial sharpshooting and sniper support roles.
This represents a significant development in how the HKP15 is used at the unit. “These operations are something that we have never done at our squadron before. Since we fall under the command of the army in wartime, we have started taking responsibility to maintain these tasks on the light helicopter system in Sweden,” Pantesjös said. For this purpose, the HKP15 can be equipped with weapon systems such as the Ksp 58 (a Swedish variant of the Belgian FN MAG) and the Ak 4D (a license-built version of the Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle).
For special operations, the helicopter is capable of fast-roping and rappelling using both internal and external attachment points. However, roping operations are not currently being carried out on the type. Pantesjö explained, “This is partly due to the fact that our special forces unit is no longer using this light helicopter. However, we still retain the equipment and several qualified instructors.”
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May/June 2026
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