Plane spotters flock to major RAF exercise

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

Cobra Warrior, which attracts spectators from all over the country, is designed to train RAF personnel in tactical air warfare operations.

NATO allies also take part in the annual event, including Canada, Poland, Finland and Norway.

On September 16, the participants took to the skies over Lincolnshire. The exercise will last until October 4.

Wing Cdr Colin Melvin wearing a camouflaged outfit and rectangular black glasses, he stands in a green field with an aircraft in the background and smiles into the cameraWing Cdr Colin Melvin wearing a camouflaged outfit and rectangular black glasses, he stands in a green field with an aircraft in the background and smiles into the camera

Wing Cdr Colin Melvin is delighted to be training alongside NATO allies (Amber Macey/BBC)

Wing Cdr Colin Melvin, commander of the operational support wing at Waddington, said: “It’s a lot bigger for us than it’s been in years.

“We have several fast jet fighters and several heavy aircraft in support.

“It’s always great to see our NATO allies and partners here and have the opportunity to train together.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ben Switzer of the Canadian detachment said the exercise was a “unique and challenging experience”.

Aviation enthusiasts, some in plastic chairs, stand at a viewing point across the road from RAF Waddington as a plane flies overheadAviation enthusiasts, some in plastic chairs, stand at a viewing point across the road from RAF Waddington as a plane flies overhead

The military exercise has attracted aviation enthusiasts from across the country (Amber Macey/BBC)

Waddington staff are leading the operation, with crews from RAF bases at Lossiemouth, Brize Norton, Coningsby and Lakenheath taking part.

Aviation enthusiasts flock to Waddington to view the aircraft.

John Smith, 83, from Nottingham, who attends the exercise every year, said: “I’m really surprised by the number of people. It’s never been this busy.”

“It seems like everyone wants to come and take a look.”

Lt. Col. 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 backgroundLt. Col. 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 background

Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Ben Switzer said his team benefited from training in a new environment (Amber Macey/BBC)

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

“It’s always worth driving there, the atmosphere is great and everyone is enthusiastic. I came to see the Polish planes,” he said.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Soundslook at the last episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should cover here.

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