MILITARY forces from 11 different nations are due to descend on Scotland for the largest maritime exercise in the UK.
The exercise, named Joint Warrior, will run across the UK for a fortnight, beginning in Scotland on October 1.
Nato forces and partner nations will train together “in a safe, but realistic, environment”, the Royal Navy said.
Military units from the US, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland will join their British counterparts in the exercise.
The first phase, from October 1 to October 5, will see activity off the West Coast of Scotland, in the Pentland Firth, and off Cape Wrath.
The Navy said that, from October 6 to 8, the activity will move to the North Sea and Irish Sea, before heading to the south coast of England for the third and final phase from October 9 to 14.
Scotland will also see activity in the air, with Merlin Mark 2 helicopters set to fly from Prestwick and RAF Typhoons and UK P-8 Poseidon aircraft due to operate from RAF Lossiemouth.
In total, some 11,500 personnel, 45 ships and submarines, and 30 aircraft from the three arms of the UK’s military will participate.
The Navy said that the exercise is usually held twice a year – in the spring and autumn.
The force went on: “The training helps Nato partners and their allies hone their skills, practicing joint working around scenarios such as war fighting, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, reconnaissance, disaster relief, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious landings, and other skills needed in the modern battle space.
“Exercise planning staff have liaised with a wide variety of communities and organisations ahead of Joint Warrior to minimise the impact of military activity. Organisations consulted include: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA); National Air Traffic Services (NATS); The Highlands and Islands Airports Authority; Scottish and Northern Irish fishery organisations; and several environmental agencies and groups.”
The Joint Warrior exercise is to be coordinated and controlled from RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall.
The Navy further said that extra information on Joint Warrior, including notices to mariners and impact statements, can be found by visiting the King’s Harbour Master Clyde (KHM Clyde) website here.
