Joint Warrior war exercise to play out in Moray Firth
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THE Moray Firth will form the backdrop to parts of a major multinational exercise involving over 6000 personnel.
Exercise Joint Warrior runs from October 4-15 and is one of the largest military training events of its kind in Europe.
Taking part are 11 nations, with 28 warships, two submarines and 81 aircraft. Events will play out across Scotland, coordinated by specialist staff operating from HM Naval Base Clyde.
Some of the aircraft participating will operate from RAF Lossiemouth, while 30 naval units will be taking part around the Scottish coast.
As part of the activity, a Freedom of Navigation exercise is expected in the Moray Firth and will involve small craft and air defence activity.
Scenarios played out will mirror a range of crisis and conflict situations which could realistically be experienced.
Over the fortnight, participants will be faced with increasing political and military tensions, along with a range of realistic military tasks.
Joint Warrior takes place twice a year and brings together all three UK Armed Forces along with the other participating countries, to provide high quality training opportunities and improve joint operations.
Covid guidelines will be followed throughout, with a range of special measures put in place.
This Autumn's Joint Warrior forms part of a wider Groupex exercise, which is running off the east coast from September 21- October 15 and is led by the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
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