Exercise Cobra Warrior 2023 sees 70 aircraft training together in high intensity, large force, simulated complex tactical air warfighting operations for three weeks during March.

Pilots from five nations have joined the Royal Air Force for the UK’s biggest aerial training exercise in March ’23, which boosts interoperability and helps to develop joint tactics in the air.

Pilots from the Finnish, Indian and Royal Saudi Air Forces are taking part this year for the first time. The Belgian and US Air Force are returning having joined previous Cobra Warrior exercises.

The Indian Air Force have deployed five Mirage 2000 aircraft to RAF Waddington. KF112 & KF118 M2000I 7sq KT208, KT211 & KT213 M2000TI 7sq IAF

Six F-18s from the Finnish Air Force are operating from RAF Waddington. Finland’s participation is part of a wider training activity in support of Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) exercises. HN-406, HN-411, HN-422, HN-424,HN-438 & HN-448 F/A-18C HävLLv 31 FINNISH AF

The Royal Saudi Air Force are operating six Typhoons from RAF Coningsby. 316, 1019, 1022, 8018 & 8019 Typhoon F2. 1020 is a two-seat Typhoon T3.

The three week exercise brings together the capabilities of all nations involved and delivers the full spectrum of air operations, including defensive and offensive counter-air and strike operations. This includes RAF Regiment Precision Strike Teams, Air Manoeuvre operations to support ground forces, and developing our Joint Personnel Recovery Capability.

The fast jets taking part in the exercise are supported by RAF Voyager aircraft conducting air-to-air refuelling operations, flying from RAF Brize Norton. UK Joint Helicopter Command aircraft are also participating from RAF Leeming.

The RAF’s Air Mobility Force are also taking part in the exercise, with sorties including deploying elements of 16 Air Assault Brigade during an associated ground mission, that forms part of the overall exercise scenario.