Cobra Warrior aircraft start to arrive

The Royal Saudi Air Force arrived in style at RAF Waddington yesterday (Monday) in its C130 and F15E aircraft.

The station is the base for three countries taking part in Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-1 

Turkish F-16s and French Rafales will also soon start arriving at Waddington for the large-scale military exercise taking place in the UK from February 24 to March 14.

Cobra Warrior 25-1 will involve up to 90 aircraft from multiple countries and will test the nations' ability to coordinate and communicate in high-intensity environments with RAF Waddington serving as the main base alongside RAF stations Coningsby, Lakenheath and Mildenhall.

Operations will include

• aircraft performing air-to-air combat radar profiles, supersonic flight, and radar and communications jamming 
• Aircraft in mixed formations, including fast jets, air-to-air refueling, rotary wing, and air mobility 
• Forces engaging in complex and dynamic scenarios to improve combat readiness 
• Maritime assets will take part in the North Sea 
• Land forces will operate in locations such as Otterburn, RAF Spadeadam, and Northumberland.

Other countries taking part include the United States and NATO allies including Finland, Norway and Poland.

Pictures: Sgt Paul Oldfield