RAF LOSSIEMOUTH WILL once again be ‘home’ for airborne forces from around the world as they gather this weekend for the latest Joint Warrior exercise.
Twice each year Joint Warrior pulls together NATO and UK Forces from all services who will test their skills throughout the North of Scotland.
As usual, Lossiemouth will be centre stage for flying operations with 34 fixed-wing and 18 rotary aircraft from France, Germany, United States and the UK operating from Moray for two weeks from Saturday.
One of the largest military exercises in Europe, Joint Warrior will see maritime activity from units from Denmark, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US.
Around 430 additional personnel from the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff – or JTEPS – will co-ordinating the giant exercise from HM Naval Base Clyde’s Maritime Operations Centre.
Meanwhile, on land, 16 Air Assault Brigade Headquarters and the associated Battle Group, 2 PARA, will join troops from the Netherlands, Sweden and the US. The exercise will provide the UK, allies and partner nations the opportunity to practice the vital skills needed on the modern battlefield.
Exercise Joint Warrior is held twice a year, in the spring and autumn, and participation is open to all NATO allies and partners, providing high quality operational training.
More information on Exercise Joint Warrior, including notices to mariners and details of GPS denial operations, can be obtained from the Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde’s (QHM Clyde) webpage at: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/qhm/clyde/jw.