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Oct 8 2024

NATO Allies flex capabilities over United Kingdom as part of exercise Cobra Warrior

RAMSTEIN, Germany - Six NATO Allies participated in the Royal Air Force-led exercise, Cobra Warrior, which ran from 16 September to 5 October, 2024. Over 80 aircraft from six NATO nations participated in this year’s Cobra Warrior at Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington. NATO Allies in the exercise included the United Kingdom (UK), Finland, Norway, United States, Canada and Poland. 

Cobra Warrior brings together some of the world’s best fighter pilots to train side-by-side

This twice-a-year exercise, hosted by the UK, is a life-fly field training exercise and part of the RAF’s fighter weapons school graduation event. This year’s exercise focused on operational to tactical high-end warfighting in a contested, degraded and limited operating environment.

“Exercises like Cobra Warrior are invaluable to advancing integration between the NATO Allies and partners. I appreciate the work done by our Royal Air Force counterparts to host this event,” said General James Hecker, Allied Air Command Commander. “Cobra Warrior brings together some of the world’s best fighter pilots to train side-by-side and further hone operational tactics,” General Hecker added.   


Fighters taxi on the runway at RAF Waddington. Over 80 aircraft from six NATO nations participated in this year’s Cobra Warrior at RAF Waddington. Photo Crown Copyright

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from Aviano Air Base, Italy, is parked on the flight line after arriving for Cobra Warrior at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Sept. 6, 2024. Photo courtesy: U.S. Air Force photo

A Canadian CC-130H Hercules taxis at RAF Waddington Over 80 aircraft from six NATO nations participated in this year’s Cobra Warrior at RAF Waddington. Photo Crown Copyright

Several different fighter types participated in this year’s exercise, from the RAF F-35B Lightning II to the Finnish F/A-18 Hornet, allowing to the Allied Air Forces to practice seamless integration and enhancing interoperability across the Alliance.

“It’s always great to see our NATO Allies and partners here and get the opportunity to train together,” said Wing Commander Colin Melvin, commander of the operation support wing at RAF Waddington.

In addition to fighters, the exercise also incorporated air-to-air refueling tankers, surveillance aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters. A highlight of the exercise included an air-to-air refuel of a Finnish F/A-18 Hornet by a Canadian CC-130H Hercules.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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