Nato training exercise takes to the skies

Pilots from Germany and Poland are joining UK flyers in combat training in the skies above Lincolnshire.

Exercise Cobra Warriors sees fighter jets using RAF Waddington near Lincoln to practice a "high intensity simulated war fighting scenario", according to the RAF.

It is the air force's largest training exercise and takes place twice a year attracting plane spotters from across the country.

Six F-16 fighter jets from the Polish air force are involved in the training sorties over the North Sea.

One of the Polish pilots, First Lt "mad dog" Madowicz, said the week-long exercise was "making us better to cooperate with the Nato allies, if needed".

"So we will know how to behave, how to plan, and how to use our force if we have to," he said.

Flying was suspended on Wednesday due to high winds over the North Sea flying area.

RAF Gp Capt Mark Robertson described it as a "multi-domain exercise".

"What I mean by that is taking our air manoeuvres and our air tactics and integrating it with the land, the sea, cyber and some awareness of space effects," he said.

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