Saudi fighter jets arrive in UK to take part in RAF's largest international exercise
Saudi fighter jets have begun to arrive in the United Kingdom to take part in the Royal Air Force's largest air exercise of the year.
Indian, Finnish and Belgian military aircraft will be joining the Saudi jets for Exercise Cobra Warrior throughout March, led by the RAF and based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
UK-based aircraft from the United States Air Force, as well as a range of RAF aircraft, will also be taking part.
The fighter jets from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Air Force will be based at RAF Coningsby and RAF Waddington during the exercise.
The large-scale exercise provides international participants a chance to train and conduct high-intensity, large-force, tactical air warfighting operations.
Soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade will also be taking part in the exercise, providing ground forces to conduct land operations.
Group Captain Mark Lorriman-Hughes, Station Commander at RAF Waddington, said: "It is wonderful once again to welcome our fellow RAF and international colleagues to RAF Waddington.
"This biannual event provides an invaluable opportunity for international allies to train together in developing operational tactics in the air."
This year will be the first time, Finnish, Indian and Royal Saudi Air Forces are in attendance for the exercise.
The Saudis will be flying six Typhoons from RAF Coningsby and the Indian Air Force will fly five Mirage 2000s.
Also based at RAF Waddington will be six F-16s of the Belgian air force and six F-18s from the Finnish air force.
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