The Royal Air Force has begun Exercise Cobra Warrior 26-2, its largest test of UK homeland defence to date. RAF and NATO forces are rehearsing joint warfighting capability and deterrence against emerging threats.
The exercise runs from 14 September to 2 October 2026 at RAF Waddington and RAF Cranwell. It brings together aircraft, personnel and command-and-control specialists from the UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States.
Forces are rehearsing rapid integration, resilience and combat effectiveness. These are skills needed to defend the homeland and, if required, fight as part of a NATO force.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, described the current era as the most dangerous of his 35-year military career. He commented that growing threats from Russia are driving RAF investment in people and capabilities across the air and space domains.
The RAF is showcasing Typhoon, F-35 Lightning and P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside Voyager air-to-air refuellers. German, Italian and American aircraft and personnel are training alongside them. The exercise demonstrates the RAF’s Warfighting Ready and NATO First priorities, testing home-base defence, allied integration and sustained complex operations.
Cobra Warrior also marks the culmination of UK Qualified Weapons Instructor courses, the RAF’s top post-graduate warfighting qualification.
Major Valerio C., Italian Deployment Commander, commented that the exercise offers a valuable opportunity to refine joint tactics and strengthen collective readiness. He added that allied integration is central to the strength of NATO.
Wing Commander Mathew Thornton, Station Commander at RAF Cranwell, welcomed German Air Force personnel to the station, noting the visit strengthens long-standing professional relationships between allied air forces.
Learn more on the RAF website
