The Royal Air Force has launched Exercise Cobra Warrior 26-2, the largest test of the UK’s homeland defence.
RAF and NATO forces are being put through demanding training designed to rehearse joint warfighting capability and provide a deterrent to our adversaries.
Running from 14 September to 2 October 2026, the exercise brings together aircraft, personnel and command-and-control specialists from the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States to rehearse the rapid integration, resilience and combat effectiveness required to deter threats, defend the homeland and, if necessary, fight as part of a NATO force.
“The return of great power competition across the globe and the significant, and growing, threat posed by Russia to the UK and NATO makes this, by far, the most dangerous period in my 35 years of military service. This is why the RAF is investing in our People and our capabilities – to defend the UK, deter our adversaries and, if necessary, defeat them across the Air and Space domains. Cobra Warrior gives us the opportunity to practise our response to aggression, ensuring we are testing our defences and ability to operate alongside NATO partners during a real conflict.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth
Chief of the Air Staff
Cobra Warrior showcases the breadth of RAF capability with Typhoon, F-35 Lightning, P-8A Poseidon and Air Mobility Force aircraft, including Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft, operating alongside German, Italian and American aircraft and personnel. The exercise is a practical demonstration of the RAF’s Warfighting Ready and NATO First priorities. It tests how the RAF protects and operates from the home base, integrates with allies at speed, sustains complex missions and develops the warfighting mindset needed to fly, fight and win in contested airspace.
Cobra Warrior also marks the culmination of UK Qualified Weapons Instructor courses, the RAF’s pinnacle post-graduate warfighting qualification. By training at scale with NATO allies, the exercise strengthens collective defence, improves interoperability and demonstrates how the RAF is preparing for the demands of modern conflict.
"We are truly honoured and excited to be here at RAF Waddington to train alongside our NATO allies and international partners. Cobra Warrior represents the premier tactical training environment, offering an invaluable opportunity to enhance our interoperability, refine joint tactics, and strengthen our collective readiness. Participating with our aircraft and personnel allows us to test our capabilities in complex, contested and high-threat operational scenarios. The integration and shared expertise between our nations are what make the Alliance so strong. We look forward to a productive exercise and to flying shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners and qualifying Weapons Instructors."
Major Valerio C.
Italian Deployment Commander
RAF Cranwell is welcoming German Air Force personnel participating in the exercise, underlining the RAF’s commitment to NATO interoperability and strengthening the professional relationships that enable allied air forces to operate together in crisis and conflict.
"RAF Cranwell is delighted to welcome our German Air Force colleagues to the Station for Exercise Cobra Warrior. This Exercise provides an opportunity to strengthen our long-standing professional relationships, train alongside one another and build lasting friendships. Visits such as these are invaluable and we are incredibly proud to welcome them to RAF Cranwell."
Wing Commander Mathew Thornton
Station Commander RAF Cranwell
