Nato jets fly in for major defence exercise

Nato aircraft are taking part in what is described as the UK's largest homeland defence exercise.

Cobra Warrior 26-2 is based at RAF Waddington, near Lincoln, until 2 October and involves aircraft from the UK, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and the US.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth said: "Cobra Warrior gives us the opportunity to practice our response to aggression, ensuring we are testing our defences and ability to operate alongside Nato partners during a real conflict."

According to the RAF, planes due to take part include RAF Typhoon jets, F-35 Lightning stealth aircraft, F-15E Strike Eagle fighters and Chinook helicopters.

The training exercise, which takes place twice a year, is designed to allow Nato forces to rehearse integration and combat effectiveness, an air force spokesperson said.

The Royal Navy and Royal Netherlands Navy are also due to take part.

Earlier this month, German jets were pictured landing at RAF Cranwell, which is home to the RAF's officer training academy.

German pilots and personnel are staying at Cranwell, near Sleaford, during the exercises.

Wing Cdr Mathew Thornton, the station commander, said: "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."

According to the RAF, the aircraft taking part in the exercise are expected to include:

• RAF Typhoon multi-role combat jet
• F-35 Lightning stealth aircraft
• F-15E Strike Eagle fighter
• P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft
• Voyager tanker/air transport
• Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft
• Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft
• Lockheed MC-130 transport aircraft
• Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter
• Wildcat multi-role helicopter
• Dassault Falcon 20 jet
• L-159 jet
• Learjet

RAF Waddington has a safe aircraft viewing area, located off the airfield, with a car park.

It is open to members of the public and located on the southbound side of the A15 Sleaford Road, about 1.5 miles south of Bracebridge Heath.

During Cobra Warrior, spectators have previously been urged not to stand in the road, which is the main route between Lincoln and Sleaford.

Last year, Lincolnshire Police told aircraft enthusiasts: "For your safety and the safety of others, please do not stand in between the traffic signals on the A15 at RAF Waddington at any time – unless you are simply walking through without stopping.

"This area is extremely busy with fast-moving traffic, and stopping there creates a serious risk."

Meanwhile, in March this year the RAF urged spectators to avoid using perches such as stepladders, because it was argued that the blast from jets taking off was strong enough to blow them off.

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