Dozens of NATO warships and planes in huge military exercise off coast

Scotland will host one of the largest military exercises in Europe with dozens of warships and aircraft and thousands of personnel from eleven different countries taking part.

Joint Warrior 212 will see the UK, Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, France, Norway, Latvia, Germany and USA perform maritime exercises off the West and North coasts of Scotland.

During the course of a fortnight, those involved will be faced with “a period of increasing political and military tensions” and will have to deal with anti-smuggling, counter-terrorism and evacuation operations, as well as intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.

There will also be operations cutting off GPS signal off the west coast. The Royal Navy said relevant authorities have been involved in the planning and safeguards have been put in place.

A total of 25 warships, three submarines, over 30 aircraft and around 6750 military personnel including 500 ground troops, will be deployed.

Several vessels will depart from the King George V Docks, HM Naval Base Clyde, Hunterston and Greenock.

Mine countermeasure vessels will conduct mine hunting exercises in areas around Campbeltown, Loch Ewe, Gruinard Bay, Loch Broom, Little Loch Broom, Enard Bay and Shiant Bank.

Amphibious operations will take place in the vicinity of Loch Ewe on private land, Loch Goil and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Around 30 aircraft will take part in the exercise with some of them operating from RAF Lossiemouth and Prestwick Airport.

Cape Wrath Weapons Range, Garvie Island and the QinetiQ Hebrides range in the north of Scotland will host firing activities.

In the North Minch to the west of Ullapool there will be exercises involving small fast boats, both civilian and military.

The operations will take place from September 18 until September 30.

The Royal Navy said all units involved in the exercise will observe the Covid-19 control measures provided by the Scottish Government.