Exercise Cobra Warrior, the RAF’s capstone tactical training event has today drawn to a close. The Exercise, which ran for the last 3 weeks, has allowed members of the United States Air Force, Italian and German Air Forces and NATO to work alongside their RAF counterparts to undertake multiple training missions with various objectives. In turn providing a valuable opportunity to develop joint tactics, techniques, and procedures. The Tactical Air-Land and Rapid Air-Land operation of the Atlas A400M, which included UK airborne forces from 16 Brigade (British Army) and precision strike teams for the first time, allowed personnel to find and fix enemy threats on the ground prior to air assets neutralising air defence capabilities all of which led to capture of an enemy target.
“I am incredibly proud of what 92 Squadron has delivered over the last 3 weeks. This level of training is of great importance in generating credible and capable Air and Space Power and has enabled interoperability across a number of Air and Land assets, Frontline Squadrons, as well as allied and partner nations. This Exercise has set a strong foundation on which we will build during 2023, where we will again look to ‘push the envelope’ with our training scenarios to set our participants an even more realistic, immersive and challenging environment as part of our collective training vision,” Wing Commander Abbott 92 Squadron Commanding Office said.
The opportunity to train alongside Allies is invaluable to us. Understanding each other, how we plan, how we operate, across a multitude of different scenarios is key to maximising our potential. Training Exercises such as Cobra Warrior present a fantastic opportunity and this iteration has been no different,”Group Captain Burton Cobra Warrior Exercise Director said.
This is one of the best exercises, not just in Europe, but in the world. It’s an opportunity to integrate with partner nations just to be ready and so we know each other in the best way possible,” Major Setini Eurofighter Detachment Leader said.
In another first UK Joint Personnel Recovery Teams, utilising 51 Squadron RAF Regiment and rotary assets from Joint Helicopter Command operated with United States Air Force 56th Rescue Squadron combat search and rescue teams to retrieve stranded personnel. All of which took place whilst combat air elements, which included United States Air Force F-16’s, Italian Eurofighters, German Tornados and RAF Typhoons, provided the required air support. Cobra Warrior training serials were developed and delivered by 92 Squadron based out of RAF Waddington. 92 Squadron is based at RAF Waddington, providing air training and tactics advice to commanders and units for the tactical employment of air power.
