The RAF’s largest exercise of the year, Exercise Cobra Warrior has successfully finished. The exercise saw RAF aircraft and personnel train with NATO members throughout the month of September.
The exercise is designed to train participants in high intensity, large force, tactical air war fighting operations, whilst testing the RAF’s enabling capabilities.
Exercise Cobra Warrior took place from the 16th of September to the 4th of October and saw over 80 aircraft taking part from various locations throughout the UK such as RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Brize Norton, RAF Coningsby, RAF Waddington and RAF Lakenheath. The exercise itself was controlled by directing staff from RAF Waddington.
“The successful conclusion of Exercise Cobra Warrior 24-2 represents a significant achievement, and is testament to the hard work of all everyone involved in the Exercise”. He then added “Recent events on the world stage have only served to highlight how important it is that we are ready to operate effectively together today, and necessary, to fight tonight.”
Wing Commander Sam Williams, Officer Commanding 92 Squadron from the Air & Space Warfare Centre at RAF Waddington
The NATO members who sent aircraft contingents to take part in this exercise this time were Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), the Polish Air Force (PolAF), the Finnish Air Force (FinAF) and the Norwegian Air Force (NorAF). The Royal Canadian Air flying CF-18 Hornet fast jets from RAF Waddington, supported by their CC-130H air-to-air refuelling aircraft. Also based at RAF Waddington were the PolAF with F-16’s and the FinAF with F-18’s. RAF Typhoon Fast Jets also took part from RAF Coningsby, and NorAF F-35’s operating from RAF Lakenheath.
The fast jets were supported by United States Air Force Europe (USAFE) KC-135 conducting air-to-air refuelling operations, from RAF Lakenheath.
Exercise Cobra Warrior not only tested Air assets, but it also saw various elements from across RAF’s Global Enablement and Combat Readiness, providing the vital capabilities required for success. This includes cyber communication specialists from 90 Signals Unit setting up and maintaining secure communication links throughout the duration of the exercise.
"It's a lot bigger for us than it has been for a number of years. We've got multiple fast jets and multiple heavy aircraft supporting and it's always great to see our NATO allies and partners here and get the opportunity to train together."
Wing Commander Colin Melvin, Officer Commanding Operations Support Wing, RAF Waddington.
This iteration of Ex Cobra Warrior saw Participating Nations conduct an increased amount of missions flown, with forces engaging in more complex and dynamic scenarios to enhance combat readiness. The exercise highlights seamless interoperability between participating nations, as joint operations with air forces from around the world test coordination, communication, and tactical prowess in high-intensity environments.
There were also Maritime assets taking part across parts of the North Sea, many Land forces operating in locations such as Otterburn, RAF Spadeadam and a wide range of sites across Northumberland.
The RAF’s Combat Readiness Force lead element also participated, along with their Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, operating in the challenging environments of northern England.
