RAF Voyager aircraft provided Air-to-Air Refuelling during the exercise. Credit: Royal Air Force. UK Crown Copyright.

The British Royal Air Force (RAF) has concluded the Exercise Crimson Warrior, following three weeks of air activities.

This exercise was the largest to be held by the Royal Air Force.

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It saw participation from RAF personnel and aircraft along with the Royal Navy, British Army, United States Marine Corps and United States Air Force.

Fast jets, multi-engine aircraft, helicopters and unmanned air systems were operated during the event from stations in the country.

Exercise Crimson Warrior has been developed from the usual Cobra Warrior exercises with other missions being added to support the F-35B Lightnings and helicopters that form part of the Carrier Strike Group Air Wing.

The exercise commenced on 19 October and incorporated large-scale tactical training. Over 70 aircraft participated in different missions.

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Additionally, it represented the conclusion of the Qualified Weapons Instructor Courses (QWIC), which trains personnel in their particular warfare speciality or aircraft.

As a swing-role aircraft, pilots on the Typhoon need to be ready to shift to air-to-ground role from air-to-air role during a mission.

The QWIC students were tested for both roles and the pilots engaged with enemy aircraft, following which they defended against enemy surface-to-air missiles.

Exercise Director group captain Rob Barrett said: “Exercise Crimson Warrior is the UK’s premier live airborne tactical training event of the year and the directing staff from the Air and Space Warfare Centre’s 92 Squadron have taken great pride in delivering this extremely demanding and complex exercise.

“All the participants have gained valuable experience in the integration of Air and Space power roles. The QWIC students, who have met the exacting standards required during Exercise Crimson Warrior, have proved themselves in the most challenging of environments and are now qualified to join the ranks of the UK Services’ most able tactical leaders and instructors.”