Building in Belize and Learning New Skills on Exercise SAILFISH 26-2
The SAILFISH series of overseas infrastructure training exercises is an opportunity for Royal Engineer subunits and specialist team Royal Engineers to deploy to Belize and conduct specialist artisan and design training. The purpose of these exercises is to test those skills in real-world conditions that can, as much as is possible, replicate the conditions we as sappers would find on an operational deployment.
The condition of the infrastructure varies wildly across the estate, and as a result, there are a multitude of opportunities to conduct training here. On Ex SAILFISH 26-2, the Squadron is building on the refurbishment of a former Army Air Corps Flight Detachment Hangar in Price Barracks, is refitting an ablution block and installing a brand-new sewage system in Camp Belizario. Everything is a live training serial. From using local materials to meet UK specifications, working with contracts and locally employed civilians, making on-site amendments to designs and working with a demanding client. The following articles are from the sappers who’ve participated in the exercise, many of whom have never deployed to Belize before.
Exercise USTADJIKO KHUKURI 2026
Exercise USTADJIKO KHUKURI was a supporting exercise conducted in the 1963 Training Area, Belize during Exercise SAILFISH 26-2. This opportunity to conduct relevant battlecraft syllabus training in new and novel arduous conditions was not missed. The exercise was planned and coordinated by Sergeant Bikash Gurung, supported by his team of newly qualified Jungle Warfare Instructors (JWIs).
Preparation for the exercise began in January 2026, when Officer Commanding 69 Gurkha Field Squadron QGE directed that 4 personnel in the Squadron were to attend the JWI course in order for the Squadron to maintain its readiness through Exercise SAILFISH.
The aim of Exercise USTADJIKO KHUKURI was to provide practical experience of operating in a Close Country Tropical Environment (CCTE). Troops gained valuable experience in navigation, Close Target Reconnaissance (CTR), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), orders process lessons, drone familiarisation, fieldcraft, and survival activities. These training serials enhanced individual drills, tactical awareness, field skills, physical robustness, and mental resilience while operating in demanding conditions characterised by dense jungle terrain, high temperatures, humidity, and heavy rainfall.
Each serial focused on survival skills, where troops were introduced to the fundamental principles of survival including water, shelter, and food. This activity provided personnel with an understanding of essential survival requirements and the skills necessary to operate in challenging environments.
In the future, the exercise could be enhanced by deploying the whole squadron into the Jungle for 14 days. This would see the troops conduct the full spectrum of foundational and individual skills. That exercise could be used as a junior leadership development opportunity.
Delivering Critical Infrastructure and Enhancing Operational Capability
G Troop, 69 Gurkha Field Squadron, is currently delivering a key infrastructure project at Camp Belizario, Belize, enhancing facilities that support British Army jungle training and operational activities.
A workforce of 32 refurbished Building 65 ablutions while constructing a new wastewater drainage system, comprising a septic tank, reed bed and inspection chambers. The project provides a sustainable, resilient solution to support future camp operations and contingency requirements.
Operating in challenging tropical conditions, soldiers overcame high temperatures, humidity and logistical constraints through effective planning, adaptability and strong teamwork. The project showcased the breadth of Royal Engineers’ expertise, with C&J, B&C, H&P tradesmen and Plant Operators all playing critical roles in delivering the works.
Alongside construction tasks, G Troop completed Close Country Tropical Environment (CCTE) training, developing jungle navigation, survival and fieldcraft skills under the guidance of Jungle Warfare Instructors (JWI). The training has enhanced the troop’s ability to operate confidently in demanding tropical environments while gaining valuable climatic KSE.
25 Flight Line Hangar Building Work
From fierce fighters to skilled tradesmen, 69 Gurkha Field Squadron left no stone unturned during Exercise SAILFISH 26/2, proving their effectiveness as soldiers first and foremost, while showcasing their professional trade skills.
Following acclimatisation, personnel were introduced to their respective work sites at 25 Flight Line Hangar. This included the delivery of work packages 2, 3 and 4, building on work previously undertaken by 67 Gurkha Field Squadron. Tasks on site included preparing and painting hundreds of square meters of walls, installation of ablution systems, completion of kilometres of electrical distribution systems, installation of air conditioning systems and a lot of working at height to fix the hangar lighting and air circulation systems. Overall, the project is testing our artisan skills and we are rising to the challenge.
The Squadron celebrated The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers’ Birthday with the same pride and enthusiasm as would have been seen at home. The cheerful sounds of the Chelo, the energy of the tug-of-war competition, the parade, and the cake-cutting ceremony reflected our Paltan’s KAIDA and ethos. From nostalgic bagpipe music to the determination shown by competitors, the atmosphere echoed a sense of being “far away from home, yet close to home.”
Continuing a tradition passed down through generations, Sapper Aasish Shahi was crowned Chelo champion. In keeping with custom, a Fetta was tied around his forehead, followed by the application of Abhir and the presentation of money on the Fetta as a symbol of honour and victory. The tug-of-war competition also provided a memorable highlight, with the Sapper team from 25 Flight Hangar claiming a convincing victory and securing top place on the podium.
The Squadron’s transition from project work to jungle training provided invaluable experience. Under the guidance of Jungle Warfare Instructors (JWIs), troops developed essential skills to operate and survive in the jungle.
Adventure Training and sport also formed an important part of the deployment, providing opportunities to build confidence, strengthen teamwork and maintain physical fitness. Personnel additionally are taking part in community engagement projects, strengthening relationships between BATSUB and the local Belizean community.
