Locals living around RAF Lossiemouth can expect to experience a little of what the future holds as the base hosts the latest Combined Qualified Weapons Instructor (CQWI) course from today until July 28.
Among the aircraft taking part in the exercise are the Typhoons of 1(F) Squadron, which will move from their current base at RAF Leuchars to Lossiemouth by next summer.
Explaining the purpose of the exercise, a spokesman for RAF Lossiemouth said: “CQWI provides advanced tactical training for RAF Typhoon and Tornado pilots to become Weapons Instructors.
“The exercise is held for pilots who are considered the brightest and best, allowing them to gain tactical appreciation of the aircraft and the significance of their role on operations.”
As well as the Typhoons, Lossiemouth-based Tornadoes from XV(R) and 617 Squadron will be taking part alongside Hercules transporter aircraft of 47 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton and a number of DA20 Falcons from Cobham Aviation Services.
The spokesman added: “The variety of aircraft types will provide support to the exercise and create realism to the scenarios and pressures placed on the pilots during operational flying, while this exercise will be an excellent opportunity for RAF Lossiemouth to work alongside the Typhoon before the arrival of 1 (F) and 6 Squadrons from Summer 2014.”