Major military operations are to hone in on the north west as an extensive training exercise involving 13 countries is to take place over a two-week period.
Running from March 30 to April 11, 35 warships, five submarines and 59 aircraft and helicopters are to join 10,000 armed forces personnel to take part in Exercise Joint Warrior.
The operation will see the UK’s Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force joint by numerous allies to conduct joint operations testing a range of current and future threats.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson MP said: “The UK military is a partner of choice for its major international allies and a resolute force for peace around the world. The UK will not waver in continuing to work with its allies to protect our mutual interests.
“Led by the UK, Joint Warrior allows key NATO allies to tackle complex warfare scenarios to ensure that the international community stands fit and ready to work to face any threat together.”
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Although being led by the UK military, the operation meets many of the aims included in NATO training and has been included in the NATO exercise programme.
The exercise will be controlled and directed from the Maritime Operations Centre at HM Naval Base Clyde, with a range of security roles being rehearsed off the west of Scotland, with efforts particularly being focused on The Minches.
Land activity is to be focused upon at the Cape Wrath naval bombardment range and the RAF bombing range at Tain, with air units coordinating with maritime and land forces to exercise Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), air defence, air mobility and attack.
RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick and Stornoway airports will be used by aircraft throughout the operation.
Military personnel from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK and the US will all be involved in the operation.