Public warned to expect increased activity at RAF station during major training exercise
The RAF is warning local residents to expect extra air traffic around their stations in Lincolnshire this week as a major training exercise gets under way.
Exercise Agile Warrior 26, the RAF’s long-planned major homeland defence training activity, launches this week.
In a statement issued by RAF Cranwell, it explains: “The exercise is designed to rigorously test the RAF’s ability to protect the United Kingdom in an increasingly contested and volatile global security environment and forms a critical step in ensuring the RAF remains ready to ‘fight tonight’ in defence of the nation.
“Personnel will practise rapid dispersal, improvised command-and-control arrangements, base defence, sustainment and recovery activities, ensuring the RAF could continue operating even when under sustained pressure from adversary activity.”
They went on: “As a result, you may notice changes in activity levels at RAF Cranwell during this period. This may include increased vehicle movements and operational activity across the station and surrounding area."
This may mean aircraft and personnel from other stations landing or using Cranwell on a temporary basis.
RAF commanders were keen not to raise alarm, in the knowledge of increased tensions and war in the Middle East around Iran.
Their spokesperson said: “Please be assured that this activity is in direct support of Exercise Agile Warrior (Ex AW) and forms part of essential training to ensure the RAF remains ready to protect the UK.”
They thanked the local community for its continued support and understanding.