Counter Terrorism

The following is a break-down of the United Kingdom's counter terrorist (CT) forces...

22 SAS

The UK military's primary counter-terrorism unit is the Army's 22nd Special Air Service. At any time, one full SAS Squadron (around 60 men), is on standby to respond to a terrorist incident. Squadrons rotate into the CT role on a six-monthly basis. The SAS wrote the book on rescuing hostages from buildings, planes, trains and vehicles.

more info : SAS counter terrorism

notable SAS CT operation : Operation Nimrod

Special Boat Service

The SBS has a dedicated counter-terrorist unit, designated M Squadron. M Squadron specialises in Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) and have developed techniques and equipment for the challenging task of carrying out hostage rescues on oil rigs, cruise ships, ferries and other maritime objectives.

more info : SBS counter terrorism

notable SBS CT operation : raid on MV Nisha cargo ship

SBS Maritime Counter Terrorist (MCT) operators aboard a VT Halmatic Arctic RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). SBS MCT units wear similar clothing to their SAS counterparts, with the addition of Gecko helmets, life jackets, emergency oxygen bottles and other safety gear. The MP5 A3 9mm sub machine gun with Sig Sauer P226 pistol as secondary is a typical configuration. The SBS can approach a MCT objective via surface boats, helicopters or from beneath the water using SDVs / swimming up from submerged Royal Navy submarines.

Special Forces Support Group

It is thought that members of the SFSG have been trained to carry out CT operations. In a typical scenario, such as a large scale CT operation, SFSG operators will augment the SAS/SBS. Members of 1 Para are trained to work with the SAS while Royal Marines assigned to the SFSG from the Fleet Protection Group will augment SBS MCT operations, continuing a role previously assigned to their forerunners, Commachio Group.

Aviation Support

There are several RAF / AAC / RN units that are trained to insert / extract and otherwise support UKSF counter terrorism operations.

• RAF 7 Squadron
  Flying modified Chinook helicopters, 7 Squadron support SAS/SBS/SFSG CT ops. The Chinook's capacity and range make the helicopter an ideal CT asset.
  more info : RAF 7 Squadron
• RAF 47 Squadron
  The Hercules cargo planes operated by 47 Squadron can transport an SAS CT team and all its equipment to anywhere in the world. SBS MCT teams, along with their inflatable boats, can be air dropped into the ocean from the C-130's rear ramp
  more info : RAF 47 Squadron
• AAC 8 Flight
  Using helicopters painted in civilian colours, this specially-trained Army Air Corps unit works closely with 22 SAS, providing covert transport, air assault and reconnaissance for the CT team.
  more info : AAC 8 Flight
• Commando Helicopter Force
  M flight, within 848 NAS of the Commando Helicopter Force, provides support for the SBS MCT Team with its Sea King HC.4 helicopters.
  more info : Commando Helicopter Force

Intelligence Support

A vital component of any CT operation is intelligence. A successful assault on a CT objective requires detailed planning bases on intel on the objective itself, the terrorists, the hostages and a host of other information. UKSF includes a number of elements with the ability to gather such intel.

• Special Reconnaissance Regiment
  Specialising in providing 'eyes on' intelligence.
  more info : Special Reconnaissance Regiment
• 18 (UKSF) Signals Regiment
  Experts in electronic eavesdropping, signals intercepts etc
  more info : 18 (UKSF) Signals Regiment

Police Counter Terrorism Units

In most domestic terrorist incidents it will be the Police who provide the first response. In the case of a siege scenario, specialist armed Police units will set up a secure cordon around the terrorist stronghold. If the situation demands it, such as if terrorist started killing hostages, and if military special forces have not yet arrived on the scene, then these armed Police units would intervene. One unit that receives a high level of CT training is the London Met's CO19. It's SFOs (Specialist Firearms Officers) have trained with 22 SAS and use many of the same equipment and techniques.

more info : CO19

Other Police CT elements include S015 Counter Terrorism Command which absorbs the former SO12 Special Branch (SB) and SO13 Anti-terrorist Branch (ATB) units. SO15's primary role is gathering intelligence and carrying out investigations related to terrorism. Intel provided by SO15 is often the catalyst for CO19 / UKSF operations.

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