Allies at RAF Waddington for Exercise Cobra Warrior

The skies above Lincoln have been busy as the Royal Air Force uses Waddington as the main base for the first phase of Exercise Cobra Warrior. 

Running until 27 March the two-part Exercise (the second part is held in October) brings together air and ground elements from across NATO to train in one of Europe’s most advanced and demanding warfighting environments. 

As the UK’s flagship air exercise, Cobra Warrior is designed to enhance operational readiness, deepen cooperation with key allies, and demonstrate the UK’s enduring commitment to global security and European stability.

The senior officer in charge of exercise planning, Group Captain Ray, said: “Planning Cobra Warrior is a year-round effort that brings together expertise from across the RAF and our NATO partners. 

“Designing a scenario of this scale, one that tests and improves our collective ability to operate, integrate and fight as a coalition, requires close coordination and an extraordinary team effort. Seeing our allies arrive in the UK, ready to train side by side in one of Europe’s most demanding air environments, is a powerful reminder of why this exercise matters. It strengthens our readiness, deepens our partnerships and ensures we remain prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

This year Polish Air Force F16 Fighting Falcons and German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons are being hosted at RAF Waddington for the duration of the exercise. Their participation further strengthens NATO inter-operability and reflects a shared commitment to multilateral cooperation at a crucial time for collective defence.

The German Airforce Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Marcus said:  “We are very honoured to be guests of the Royal Airforce again. The past few days have been characterised by intensive preparations and coordination with our international partners. Our shared NATO mindset unites us and strengthens the alliance. Being stronger together we are ready for Cobra Warrior 2026-1.” 

The picture above and the first one below shows the German Eurofighter getting ready to take off from RAF Waddington while the second two images below are of the Polish F16s arriving at the air base.