Exercise Cobra Warrior 2019
By Vincent Hopper

Beginning on the 2nd September from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, Exercise Cobra Warrior 2019 see’s participants from the Italian, German and Israeli air forces. Eurofighter Typhoon 2000s from Italy and Germany have been joined by Israeli Air Force F-15 C & D variants from 106 Spearhead Squadron.
The exercise is joined RAF and USAF airforces operating out of their respective UK bases. Along with support aircraft the exercise includes as many as 50 aircraft.
The purpose of Cobra Warrior 2019 is to train and qualify weapons instructors in tactical environments.
With most flying taking part on Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s and with two sorties a day it is drawing large crowds of enthusiasts from the UK and Europe.
These photographs were taken on Wednesday 11th September and the exercise will run through to 20th September 2019

The Exercise Director, Group Captain Robert Barrett said: “The RAF welcomes the participation of our Air Force colleagues from other nations and we welcome the opportunity to train alongside all of the participating nations’ forces on this challenging exercise.”

“Cobra Warrior offers us the opportunity to complete training within the Mission Employment Phase for our future Weapons Instructors. The level of training combined with the variety of training partners help achieve the required standards within the Weapons School Criteria.“
Lieutenant Colonel Dirk Pingel
The head of Weapons Instructor Training for the German Air Force

“We are honoured to participate again in this very demanding and well organised international exercise. It will be a chance to fly with a selection of the best Weapon Instructors of the participating countries. Sharing our experiences will mutually increase our capabilities.”
Colonel Urbano Floreani
The 4th Wing Commander, from the Italian Air Force