Teamwork in the skies as five air forces combine for training exercise

FOR a four-week period of late summer/early autumn, air forces of four NATO allies have been taking part in Exercise Cobra Warrior, and were joined by the Israeli Defence Force, who were deployed for the first time in the UK.

Approximately 50 aircraft of the German, Italian and Israeli Air Forces were based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, including frontline fighter jets, support aircraft and associated personnel. In addition RAF and US Air Force jets were also involved flying from their UK bases, including from RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire.

The largest collective training exercise hosted by the RAF, Cobra Warrior is high-intensity large force tactical training. Its aim is to teach and qualify the weapons instructors in simulated tactical environments, and was previously called the combined qualified weapons instructor exercise.

Much of the action took place over the North Sea or on the RAF firing ranges along the coast. Pilots from RAF Leeming-based 100 Squadron, who operate the black Hawk aircraft, have been an integral part of the international training.

Staffed by many of the UK’s most experienced combat pilots, they acted as the enemy to the NATO and Israeli pilots to test their reactions and tactics in dealing with a whole host of challenging situations. A spokesman for RAF Leeming tells me: “100 Squadron has been participating daily, with up to four aircraft at a time. They have been executing the aggressor role through simulated representations of adversarial aircraft and their respective tactics.”

The German Air Force was based in Rostock and made up the largest contingent of the visitors. Flying Typhoon Eurofighters, they were accompanied by a refuelling aircraft. Lieutenant Colonel Dirk Pingel, head of Weapons Instructor Training for the German Air Force, says: “Cobra Warrior offers us the opportunity to complete training within the mission employment phase for our future weapons instructors. The level of training combined with the variety of training partners help achieve the required standards within the weapons school criteria.”

The Italians from the Regia Aeronautica also operated the same type of aircraft. Colonel Urbano Floreani, 4th Wing Commander, says: “We are honoured to participate again in this very demanding and well organised international exercise.”

The Israeli Defence Force’s aircraft were F15 Eagles, considered one of the most successful fighter aircraft of recent times. Security, normally heightened on these occasions, was increased considerably. Many roads around RAF Waddington were closed and parking prohibited except in designated areas. Both military and civilian police were ever-present to counter any threat. However, these measures didn’t deter the army of plane enthusiasts who were present every day in large numbers to watch and photograph these rarely-seen visitors.

The military guests were also treated to several home-grown flying displays. Flight Lieutenant Jim Peterson of the Typhoon Display Team gave a dazzling performance for the visitors and even a passing Spitfire was persuaded by the air traffic controllers to make a slight detour so this iconic aircraft from a bygone age could be seen.

Several of the German contingent mixed with the enthusiasts, offering souvenirs and chatting about the aircraft. The Red Arrows were on this occasion, not available due to still being on tour in North America.

The Israeli jets and their two Hercules transports left accompanied by two mid-air refuelling tankers. They were so laden with fuel they only just managed a take-off by the end of the runway. They no doubt thought it was better to be self-sufficient rather than risk landing in an unfriendly country for a top-up.

Brigadier General Amnon Ein-Dar, the Israeli Air Force head of training and doctrine directorate. says: “We are happy and proud to participate in the Cobra Warrior exercise. This is the first time IAF fighter aircraft are deployed to and flying in Britain.

“The deployment will help improve IAF readiness and capability. We view this exercise as the highest standard of training, an excellent opportunity for mutual learning and bolstering cooperation between partners.”

In an era where our politicians don’t always work together in a meaningful way, it is reassuring that our fighting forces seen to be capable of putting aside cultural differences for the common good.