Britain to host Netherlands Air Force for 'intensive weeks-long training' over parts of England

The Dutch military will be carrying out "intensive training" in parts of England for the next three weeks as Nato allies rally together amid a growing Russian threat.

Forces from the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force landed at Carlisle Airport on Monday to begin Exercise TAC Blaze.

The training will see up to 10 helicopters fly over the RAF Spadeadam range and into the Cumbrian and Northumberland countryside, including Chinook and Apache aircraft.

It comes as Nato faces a growing threat from Russian forces, with German Luftwaffe commanding officer Lt Gen Holger Neumann this week cautioning Nato is "ready to fight tonight".

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RAF wing commander Matt Lawrence, station commander at RAF Spadeadam and officer commanding Aggressor Squadron, said: "We have had the pleasure of hosting our close allies, the Royal Netherlands Air Force for Exercise TAC Blaze for over a decade, delivering contested operational training in a high threat air defence environment over realistic terrain and in challenging weather conditions.

"Never has this type of training been so important to Nato, to demonstrate to potential foes that Nato is capable of high-end warfighting and to act as a deterrence.

"It is an honour to be able to enable this training here, the only location in Europe where they can do it."

He thanked residents across Cumbria and Northumberland for their patience and cooperation, given the potential disturbance.

"This training is essential and will save lives in the event that these units deploy on live operations", he added in justification.

The three-week exercise is designed to deliver critical operational training for the RNLAF, where pilots will carry out simulated missions against potential threats.

Crews are flying both day and night over challenging, hilly terrain using evasive manoeuvres and tactical responses with the aircraft.

Carlisle Police have welcomed the visiting forces and issued safety advice to the public.

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A police spokesman said: "Its been fantastic to welcome 298 Squadron and associated support functions of the Royal Netherlands Air Force over the past week who will be based in the area for joint training.

"As always, we anticipate that people will wish to see the aircraft flying out of Carlisle Airport and encourage those wishing to do so in a safe manner."

Police have warned bystanders to keep a safe distance and consider flight paths and the potential of debris from aircraft, and to not fly drones in the vicinity of the Airport.

The force stressed that anyone found to be doing so will be prosecuted and have equipment seized and destroyed, and that military compounds, airfields, and ranges are strictly off limits to the public.

Nato allies appear to be tightening their hold of one another, as the head of Germany's air force said this week the Luftwaffe will "protect every inch of Nato" if Moscow were to launch an attack on allied territory.

Lt Gen Holger Neumann said devastating air strikes would be unleashed on Russia should it move against any Nato member, and that defensive action would be "32 against X", referencing the power of combined air forces.

He also extended an offer of German air defence assistance to Britain through Nato channels, should the UK seek such support amid ongoing concerns surrounding military preparedness.

His offer comes as Britain grapples with rebuilding the armed forces, following the abrupt departures of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces minister Al Carns last week.

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