Skip to content

Plane spotters flock to watch major RAF exercise

Royal Air Force A sleek military jet taxis on the RAF Waddington runway for Exercise Cobra Warrior. A member of the ground crew, wearing a pink hi-vis vest, holds his hands in the air as he signals to the pilot.Royal Air Force
Jets from several Nato countries are taking part in Cobra Warrior, which is a popular spectacle for aviation enthusiasts

A major military exercise involving more than 50 aircraft is in full swing at RAF Waddington.

Cobra Warrior – which has attracted spectators from around the country – is designed to train RAF personnel in tactical air war operations.

Nato allies are also taking part in the annual event, including Canada, Poland, Finland and Norway.

Participants took to the skies above Lincolnshire on 16 September, with the exercise due to continue until 4 October.

Amber Macey/BBC Wing Cdr Colin Melvin wears a camouflaged outfit and rectangular black glasses. He is standing b a green field with a plane in the background and smiling into the cameraAmber Macey/BBC
Wing Cdr Colin Melvin is pleased to be training alongside Nato allies

Wing Cdr Colin Melvin, who commands the operation support wing at Waddington, said: "It's a lot bigger for us than it has been for a number of years.

"We've got multiple fast jets and multiple heavy aircraft supporting.

"It's always great to see our Nato allies and partners here and get the opportunity to train together."

Lt Col Ben Switzer, of the Canadian detachment, said the exercise offered a "unique and challenging experience".

Amber Macey/BBC Aviation enthusiasts, some with plastic chairs, standing in a viewing area across the road from RAF Waddington as a plane flies overheadAmber Macey/BBC
The military exercise has attracted aviation enthusiasts from across the country

Staff from Waddington are running the operation, while aircrews from RAF stations at Lossiemouth, Brize Norton, Coningsby and Lakenheath are taking part.

Aviation enthusiasts have flocked to Waddington to watch the planes.

John Smith, 83, from Nottingham, who attends the exercise every year, said: "I’m quite surprised by the number of people, it never used to be this busy.

"It seems everybody wants to come have a look."

Amber Macey/BBC Lieutenant Colonel Ben Switzer smiles into the camera. He has short blond hair and is wearing a green RCAF uniform. He is standing on a green field with two planes in the backgroundAmber Macey/BBC
Lt Col Ben Switzer, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said his team were benefiting from training in a new environment

Antony Hodges, 60, from Somerset, drove four-and-a-half hours to watch the planes fly over.

"It’s always worth the drive, it's a great atmosphere and everyone is excited. I've come to see the Polish planes," he said.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

More on this story
Related internet links