Exercise Cobra Warrior is taking place at RAF Waddington
It's the largest air exercise run by the Royal Air Force
The largest air exercise run by the Royal Air Force, Cobra Warrior, is taking place at RAF Waddington.
Air force crews from the UK, Poland, Finland and Canada are taking part with Jets seen across the skies of Lincolnshire such as F-16's and F18's.
Until the 4th of October there will be over 50 aircraft taking part from various locations throughout the UK, such as RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Brize Norton, RAF Coningsby, RAF Waddington and RAF Lakenheath.
The exercise itself is controlled by directing staff from RAF Waddington.
The exercise is designed to train participants in high intensity, large force, tactical air war fighting operations, whilst testing enabling capabilities.
The NATO members sending aircraft contingents to take part in this Exercise are the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the Polish Air Force (PolAF), the Finnish Air Force (FinAF) and the Norwegian Air Force (NorAF).
The Royal Canadian Air will be flying CF-18 Hornet fast jets from RAF Waddington, supported by their CC-130 air-to-air refuelling aircraft.
Also based at RAF Waddington will be the PolAF with F-16’s and the FinAF with F-18’s. Taking part from RAF Coningsby will be Typhoon fast jets, and NorAF F-35’s operating from RAF Lakenheath.
The fast jets will be supported by United States Air Force Europe (USAFE) KC-135 conducting air-to-air refuelling operations, from RAF Lakenheath.
Exercise Cobra Warrior will not only test Air assets, but it will also see various elements from across Global Enablement and Combat Readiness, providing the vital capabilities required for success.
This includes cyber communication specialists from 90 Signals Unit setting up and maintaining secure communication links throughout the duration of the exercise.
Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Switzer, Air Task Force Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
“The Royal Canadian Air Force – Air Task Force Cobra Warrior is looking forward to training and developing air operational tactics alongside allies and partners in a high tempo environment while enhancing our ability to operate in European air space. Ensuring the readiness of the Royal Canadian Air Force to counter air threats is one of our most important responsibilities.
"Exercises like Cobra Warrior provide highly valuable training for our members, our allies, and our partners in practising working together in a wide variety of tactical combat scenarios”.