Huge military exercise off north and west coasts planned
The Far North will witness the largest tactically-focused military exercise in Europe from April 16-26 when Exercise Joint Warrior begins.
The tri-service and multi-national exercise is conducted in spring and autumn every year with HM Naval Base Clyde hosting the Royal Navy and RAF personnel from the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS), who manage and co-ordinate events.
RAF Leuchars will see a detachment of French Alpha Jets taking part in Joint Warrior, working alongside UK Hawks and Typhoon aircraft. While nine Maritime Patrol aircraft, including Canadian and United States P3s and French Atlantique II aircraft, will be based at RAF Lossiemouth for the duration.
There will also be limited night and weekend flying from RAF Lossiemouth supporting the exercise.
A variety of UK and Allied land forces will also be involved, conducting core military training and mission specific training at Defence Training Estate ranges, commercial ranges, Highland Agency and private land areas across the length and breadth of Scotland.
Thirty-two separate naval units from eight different countries will also be taking part, many of them operating off the north coast.
The UK, USA, Germany, Holland, France, Norway, Denmark and Canada are all contributing with Royal Navy Flagship, HMS Bulwark, hosting The Commander United Kingdom Task Group and Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.
Meanwhile the UK’s Joint Force HQ will deploy to practice its command function afloat on the High Readiness Helicopter and Commando Carrier, HMS Illustrious.
The aim of the exercise is to provide the highest quality training for all three Armed Services and the numerous visiting forces from allied nations.
To achieve this, Joint Warrior features a wide-ranging exercise scenario which brings into play every possible situation experienced in complex, modern conflicts.
It involves three sovereign nations, some disputed territory, drug smuggling, piracy, state sponsored terrorism and counter insurgency. The scenario develops over the two-weeks of the exercise, beginning with a period of military and political tension and evolving into simulated war fighting and potential state on state hostilities.
Through the exercise the military can practice and hone the many and varied skills needed in today’s modern Armed Forces.
Some of the exercise areas overlap with environmentally sensitive conservation zones and the MOD has said that environmental considerations will always be taken into account as a primary consideration when planning exercises.
During the planning of Joint Warrior, environmental impact assessments have been produced where required, such as for the use of Active Sonar and live weapons.
Exercise planners have also forged a close working relationship with landowners and key national stakeholders, as well as engaging with local communities to ensure that environmental mitigation procedures are put in place and adhered to.
