Joint Warrior begins at RAF Lossiemouth

RAF Lossiemouth will host aircrews from Canada, France and Germany for one of Europe’s largest military training operation.

Exercise Joint Warrior got underway today with several UK air bases and than 40 RAF aircraft taking part.

Personnel will work together during operations, which includes combined UK and French expeditionary force training at

RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire.

Sea and land-based units will take part in a series of scenarios including counter insurgency operations, responses to incidents of terrorism and anti-drugs and piracy missions as well as state on state conflict.

Maritime patrol aircraft from the United States, France, Canada and Germany will be based at the Moray air station during the 11 day exercise.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford said: "This is the first time that the British and French air forces will have conducted a combined end-to-end exercise.

"Recent operations have demonstrated the tangible benefits of French and British airmen and women working closely together, at all levels, and I know that this exercise will provide the opportunity to further enhance the ability of two of NATO’s major partners to take a leading role in future multinational operations."

Exercise Joint Warrior is held twice a year and involves members of all three UK military services.