http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2011/03/09/fighter-jets-to-play-out-dramatic-scenarios-over-wales-91466-28302957/#sitelife-commentsWidget-bottomFighter jets to play out dramatic scenarios over Wales
WELSH airspace is set to play host to dramatic military manoeuvres involving multi-national sea-to-land bombing drills over the coming hours and weeks.
An insider at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed to the Western Mail that preparations are under way for more than 50 American fighter jets (F18s) to come to Wales and the UK, as part of operation Saxon Warrior later this spring.
The operation would follow an exercise currently taking place over Wales.
The insider said: “This multi-national maritime exercise is in the early stages and the Prime Minister is involved in the details. It is expected to feature around 54 American F18s flying at medium level over parts of the UK and Wales is likely to be involved in the exercise – although south-west Cornwall is likely to see the most activity.
“Saxon Warrior will play out real-life scenarios, such as, purely just as an example, an air craft carrier off the coast of Anglesey releasing bombers heading to Pembrey.
“The coastline of Wales could be quite active but like I said, the operation is in the very early stages so there are no further details. But the public will be fully informed as and when plans are confirmed in the coming weeks.”
He said the exercise is scheduled for late April or early May, around the time of the Royal Wedding.
Meanwhile the large-scale RAF air exercise that is taking place until midnight tomorrow in the skies of Mid Wales aims to prepare personnel for combat in Afghanistan.
The RAF said it involves combat helicopters – including Chinooks, Merlin EH101 and Pumas – flying as low as 100ft, plus jets.
Squadron Leader Albie Fox, RAF community relations officer for Wales, said: “A variety of aircraft types are involved in this week’s exercise and we have had no complaints from the public who appreciate being pre-warned. Wales is ideal terrain because of its hills, although it doesn’t have as much sand as Afghanistan.
“The opposition out there are doing things we have to oppose. This exercise is working on dealing with it.
“Low-level flying will be the minimum necessary to achieve the training objectives.
“Every effort will be made to minimise disturbance and we avoid cities, towns, villages and hillside communities.”
He stressed that the ability to operate military aircraft at low level remains an essential skill for military aircrew.
Ed Bailey, National Farmers’ Union Cymru president, said low-flying aircraft can be an issue for livestock farmers, especially at lambing time, by causing distress to livestock.
“We have lobbied the MoD hard in the past for sufficient notice to be given to livestock holder for times when low-flying aircraft can be expected.
“If farmers are affected by an incident they should make a note of the date, time, exact location and if possible the type of aircraft involved and report it to the MoD incident room.”
World War II veteran Douglas Jones, aged 86, of Knighton, who took part in the D-Day landings of 1944, welcomed the military exercises.
He said: “It is nice to know we are prepared – we’ve been caught out in the past.”
