PARATROOPERS jumped from planes in Africa while facing soaring temperatures and brutal conditions.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, honed their battlefield skills on the six-week-long exercise, Askari Storm, in Kenya.

Colchester-based 2 Para is preparing to take over from 3 Para as the lead infantry battalion in the Air Assault Task Force – the British Army’s rapid reaction force, which is ready to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice to conduct military operations.

The 1,200-strong 2 Para Battlegroup deployed to Kenya is built around the airborne infantry of 2 Para, bolstered by artillery, engineers, medics, military police, signallers, intelligence specialists and logisticians from 16 Air Assault Brigade.

A key activity was parachuting and the airdropping of supplies. The exercise was supported by a C130J Hercules aircraft and a crew from 47 Squadron, Royal Air Force.

As well as the high temperatures, the troops faced torrential rain and encountered wildlife roaming the vast range.

Warrant Officer Class 1, Adam Proud, regimental Sergeant Major of 2 Para, said: “The troops have really been put through their paces on this exercise. In tough conditions like these, looking after the soldiers around you becomes vital.

“You can’t be expected to parachute into the middle of the Kenyan bush with full kit, march for 20km and then conduct a live fire attack, if you don’t work as a team.”