Spectacular NATO led sea invasion set to hit Highland coastal waters as Royal Navy and UK armed forces join 10 allied nations for operation Strike Warrior 24 ‘war games’ exercise
A massive NATO-led training exercise will bring an invasion of warships, submarines, aircraft and armed forces personnel to Highland coastal waters from Monday.
The huge ‘war games’ activity will be led by UK forces from October 14 to October 27.
Involving 10 allied nations, the Strike Warrior 24 training programme will feature the Carrier Support Group (CSG), led by the Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales.
It will also feature 35 aircraft and around 2000 armed forces personnel, with maritime activity including movement of vessels around the north coast through the Pentland Firth.
These type of exercises provide the UK Armed Forces with an opportunity to join partner nations from across NATO in using the latest equipment and technologies in realistic military scenarios.
This enables allies to make informed decisions about the equipment and services they need and helps improve capabilities to defend more effectively against emerging threats to the UK and the rest of the world.
The 10 NATO nations participating are Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Thirteen naval units, including frigates, destroyers, tankers, and submarines from the ten allied nations, will be participating around the Scottish coast.
Some of the 35 aircraft taking part in the exercise will operate from RAF Lossiemouth on the Moray coast.
Joint firing activity will take place from October 14 to 21, at Cape Wrath weapons range, including Garvie Island in the north of Scotland.
There will be no GPS denial operations during Strike Warrior 24.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “This UK-led training exercise and others like it are hugely important for allied partners and the international community as a whole.
“The training event serves as a valuable opportunity for participants to hone their skills, strengthen relationships, and build trust among participating nations.
“Planned by Joint Training and Exercise Staff (JTEPS), the exercise will be coordinated and controlled from HM Naval Base Portsmouth.
“Exercise planning staff have liaised with a wide variety of communities and organisations ahead of the exercise to minimise the impact of military activity.”
Further information on Strike Warrior 24, including notices to mariners and impact statements, can be found by visiting the King’s Harbour Master Clyde’s page on the Royal Navy Website at: Military Exercises (mod.uk)
Scottish Exercise Areas (SXAs) are managed through Fleet Ops in Northwood. The Fleet Ops Waterspace manager can be contacted on 01923 956371.
