RAF Waddington main base for international exercise

RAF Waddington has confirmed that aircraft from three countries taking part in Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-1 will be housed at the air base south of Lincoln.

Turkish F-16s, Saudi Arabian F-15s and French Rafales will start arriving at Waddington on February 17 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.