International Pilots Join UK’s Massive Air Combat Drill
Pilots from five nations are taking to the skies with the Royal Air Force for the UK’s biggest aerial training exercise of the year. Exercise Cobra Warrior is ramping up interoperability and sharpening joint tactics in some serious high-octane action.
70 Aircraft, 3 Weeks, Non-Stop Action
This March, 70 aircraft are locked in intense, large-scale simulated air combat operations for three weeks. The exercise pushes crews through complex tactical warfighting scenarios, testing skills to the max.
New Faces and Returning Forces
- For the first time, Finnish, Indian, and Royal Saudi Air Force pilots have joined the fray.
- Belgian and US Air Forces return after previous Cobra Warrior stints.
- India’s Mirage 2000 jets are based at RAF 123,” explained Squadron Leader McFadden, Commanding Officer of 92 Squadron.
“It’s been a pleasure hosting pilots from so many nations to fly alongside UK crews and train in joint tactics and interoperability.”
Support from Air-to-Air Refuelling & Helicopter Squadrons
Fast jets are backed by RAF Voyager tankers flying air-to-air refuelling missions from RAF Brize Norton. UK Joint Helicopter Command aircraft also join in from RAF Leeming.
The RAF’s Air Mobility Force is deploying troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade in ground missions integrated into the exercise scenario, ensuring full-spectrum war readiness.
