Exercise Joint Warrior

The Western Isles are set to host elements of a major UK-led multinational exercise next week when Exercise Joint Warrior gets underway.

One of the largest military exercises of its kind in Europe, Joint Warrior will run from October 1-12, with many of the participating vessels operating in the Sea of Hebrides and the Minches.

Fourteen nations will take part, bringing ships, aircraft and troops to military ranges across the country and to maritime exercise areas.

Exercise Joint Warrior mirrors a broad range of crisis and conflict situations which could realistically be experienced in real-world operations.

Thirty-five naval units from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the US are taking part supported by 11 rotary wing aircraft.

RAF Lossiemouth and HMS Gannet in Prestwick are hosting international aircraft from Canada, France, Norway, the UK and US.

Cape Wrath Weapons Range in the North of Scotland will be used for joint firing activity.

Exercise Joint Warrior will also incorporate elements of another major exercise known as Formidable Shield, running from this week to October 18 which involves 13 ships from eight countries in an air and missile defence exercise on the Rocket Range in South Uist.

Western Isles hosting Exercise Joint Warrior

22 Sept 2017

HMS Argyll is taking part in Exercise Joint Warrior