Friday 6 April 2012

Operation Joint Warrior in Scotland


Large numbers of UK and allied armed forces will be training on land, at sea and in the air in and around Scotland later this month. It has been mentioned in a couple of newspapers...

From Glasgow's Evening Times

Faslane Naval base will be at the centre of one of the largest training exercises in Europe later this month.
HM Naval Base Clyde will play host to Exercise Joint Warrior – a tri-service, multinational exercise designed to train troops for anti- terror, anti-drug and anti-piracy operations.

Conducted in the spring and autumn every year, the exercise provides high quality training for all three armed services and visiting forces from allied nations, including the USA, Germany, Holland and France.

A variety of UK and Allied land forces will also be involved, conducting basic and mission specific training on training ranges across Scotland.

Some of the exercise areas overlap with environmentally sensitive conservation zones, but the MoD has said environmental considerations will be taken into account when planning exercises.

During the planning, close relationships have been fostered with land owners, as well as local communities, to minimise any impact on the natural environment.

From the Stornoway Gazette


Largest military exercise in Europe heads to Hebrides

The largest tactically focused military exercise in Europe will be heading to the Hebrides from April 16-26 when Exercise Joint Warrior begins.


The tri-service and multinational exercise is conducted in the spring and autumn of each year with HM Naval Base Clyde on the west coast of Scotland hosting the Royal Navy and RAF personnel from the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff (JTEPS) who manage and coordinate events.

The upcoming Joint Warrior is set to be bigger than ever with 32 separate naval units from eight different countries taking part, as well as a considerable military air presence and multiple land forces.

Many of the naval and air units will be operating in the seas and skies around the Hebrides with the UK, USA, Germany, Holland, France, Norway, Denmark and Canada all contributing.

Royal Navy Flagship, HMS Bulwark, is hosting The Commander United Kingdom Task Group and Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.

Meanwhile the UK’s Joint Force HQ will deploy to practice its command function afloat on the High Readiness Helicopter and Commando Carrier, HMS Illustrious.

The aim of the exercise is to provide the highest quality training for all three Armed Services and the numerous visiting forces from allied nations.

Some of the exercise areas overlap with environmentally sensitive conservation zones and the MOD has said that environmental considerations will always be taken into account as a primary consideration when planning exercises.

During the planning of Joint Warrior environmental impact assessments have been produced where required, such as for the use of Active Sonar and live weapons.

Exercise planners have also forged a close working relationship with landowners and key national stakeholders, as well as engaging with local communities to ensure that environmental mitigation procedures are put in place and adhered to. 


From RAF Lossiemouth's webpage


16th – 26th April - Exercise Joint Warrior
‘Joint Warrior’ is the largest international defence exercise held in the UK. The exercise – which takes place in locations ranging from Faslane to the north west tip of Scotland at Cape Wrath - is intended to test NATO forces across the full spectrum of 21st century conflict, from fending off air attacks and hunting mines and submarines to putting - and, crucially, supporting - troops ashore
The following aircraft are expected to operate from RAF Lossiemouth for the duration of the exercise:
6 x P3
1 x P8
2 x Atlantique
4 x Hawk
3 x Sea Hawk 60
7 x DA200

During the exercise flying will take place throughout the day and night.

No comments:

Post a Comment