Warriors in training from Lossie
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RESIDENTS may have noticed increased flight activity over recent weeks.
Aircraft from all three armed services have been training with their NATO counterparts over the skies and seas of Scotland and Northern England during exercise Joint Warrior.
Operating out of a number of military and civilian airfields, crews have been put through their paces in air-to-air and air-to-surface combat.
RAF Lossiemouth saw Typhoons from 1(F) Squadron and 6 Squadron launch in a variety of complex missions involving the F-35B Lightning II, operating in its first ever exercise.
The station has also been hosting helicopters from the United States and Royal Navies, who have been operating out of the RAF ranges at Tain in the Moray Firth and with a variety of ships.
With 13 NATO nations, six UK joint expeditionary force partners, and Australia participating, improvements have been made to the defence capabilities of the UK and allies, conducting joint operations against a range of current and future perceived threats. This has involved a range of air, surface, sub-surface, sea control and maritime security roles.
A Joint Warrior spokesperson said: "The exercise provides a unique opportunity to integrate a large number of maritime vessels with their colleagues in the air. Maritime patrol aircraft from France, Germany, and Norway have been operating out of Prestwick Airport, formally HMS Gannett.
"The US Navy has also been operating the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which will enter RAF service in October 2019.
"Pilots and aircrew from CXX Squadron are currently training on the platform at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida.
"The first RAF Poseidon is expected to arrive in the UK in 2020, with its first missions over the skies and seas of Scotland beginning shortly after".
