PRAISE IS BEING directed at the near-250 Moray airmen and women who are currently taking part in a major exercise in Oman.

The service personnel from RAF Lossiemouth have been joined by civilian contractors working alongside the Royal Air Force of Oman on ‘Exercise Magic Carpet 17’.

The 6 Squadron detachment and their Typhoon jets have been led by Wing Commander Billy Cooper, who said: “In two weeks of flying we have flown 102 sorties – the Typhoons have performed exceptionally well with first class maintenance from our engineers.

“Not only have my pilots been able to practice all the skills they need – but it has been a fantastic opportunity to work in testing conditions for everyone from our field caterers to armourers and the forward air controllers who call in airpower.”

The Oman air force have provided extensive training facilities of which the Wing Commander said: “From the military perspective we have had excellent access to ranges to drop precision guided bombs and to use Typhoon’s 27 mm cannon as well as practising air defence alongside the RAFO F-16 jets.

“But for me, and I know I can speak for the whole detachment, I’ve particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet our hosts, experience the professionalism of RAFO and see what Oman has to offer.”

Oman has provided training in the conditions that would be expected in operations by the Typhoons – during the two weeks of flying personnel in the air and on the ground have been enabled in delivering live munitions.