Ten nations in major military exercise

Warships from ten countries are gathering on the Clyde ahead of a major NATO exercise.

The latest Exercise Joint Warrior will start on Sunday and run until November 2.

Six frigates from Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, and the UK are due to arrive at King George V Docks in Glasgow, with one German and one French vessel stopping in at Hunterston before joining the exercise.

No vessels are due at Faslane, but plans are subject to change because of severe weather caused by Storm Babet.

A total of 19 warships and submarines, 20 aircraft and around 2,000 military personnel  will be in action on military ranges across the country and maritime exercise areas off the north west coast of Scotland and the North Sea.

Exercise activity will include:

• Naval units from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, the UK and the USA.
• A total of 20 aircraft will take part, with some of them operating from RAF Lossiemouth, Prestwick Airport (previously HMS Gannet) and Stornoway Airport.
• Cape Wrath Weapons Range, including Garvie Island, in the north of Scotland being used for joint firing activity.
• Mine counter measures vessels will be operating in Loch Ewe, Gairloch, Gruirnard Bay and the outer approaches to Ullapool.
• GPS denial operations off the west coast of Scotland, including the North Minches and Loch Ewe. The MoD says operations will be conducted at limited periods each day and the relevant authorities, especially maritime and aviation, have been involved in the planning process and relevant safeguards have been put in place.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “Exercise Joint Warrior is linked directly with the NATO military training exercise programme and brings together all three UK armed forces – the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force – along with the other participating countries, to provide high quality training opportunities and improve joint operations between the UK and its allies.

“The scenario of the exercise will mirror a broad range of crisis and conflict situations which could realistically be experienced in real-world operations.’

Further information, including notices to mariners and impact statements, can be found by visiting Kings Harbour Master Clyde’s page on the Royal Navy website.