The skies above Lincolnshire are once again alive with the roar of military aircraft as Exercise Cobra Warrior unfolds. This large-scale training operation, hosted by the Royal Air Force (RAF), is a critical demonstration of international cooperation, advanced aerial tactics, and modern combat training. With participating nations including Saudi Arabia, India, Belgium, Norway, and the United States, Cobra Warrior reinforces the UK’s commitment to global security and collaborative defence efforts.

A Premier Training Opportunity

Held at RAF Waddington, Exercise Cobra Warrior is the RAF’s most complex air exercise, designed to hone operational readiness through realistic combat scenarios. It provides an unparalleled platform for allied air forces to develop interoperability, refine tactical decision-making, and enhance the effectiveness of multinational joint operations. With over 50 aircraft involved, including Typhoons, F-15s, and advanced multi-role fighters from partner nations, the exercise pushes the limits of air combat training.

Strengthening UK-Saudi Relations

A key highlight of this year’s exercise is the participation of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), further strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between the UK and Saudi Arabia. The involvement of RSAF Typhoon fighter jets underscores the deep military collaboration between both nations, with shared training initiatives, technology exchange, and joint operations forming the cornerstone of this strategic alliance.

This engagement is particularly significant as it enhances Saudi pilots’ exposure to high-intensity combat scenarios and fosters closer ties between UK and Saudi military personnel, ensuring both nations remain at the forefront of aerial defence.

Agincourt: Pioneering the Future of Military Training

As a company at the cutting edge of synthetic military training, Agincourt is proud to be situated in Lincolnshire, at the heart of RAF training operations. Our advanced solutions, including BattleVR, Archer, and Hawk, provide immersive, data-driven training environments that complement exercises like Cobra Warrior. By integrating virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and high-fidelity simulation, Agincourt enables military forces to refine their skills in highly realistic yet controlled settings, significantly enhancing combat readiness while reducing logistical constraints.

The combination of real-world training through Cobra Warrior and cutting-edge synthetic training solutions like Agincourt’s platforms ensures that RAF pilots and their international counterparts receive the most comprehensive preparation possible. This hybrid approach maximises efficiency, allowing aircrews to repeatedly practise critical mission scenarios, develop sharper decision-making skills, and enhance unit cohesion.

Lincolnshire: The Hub of Aerial Excellence

With RAF Waddington serving as a central hub for military aviation, Lincolnshire continues to be a key player in global air power strategy. Agincourt is honoured to contribute to this ecosystem, working alongside the RAF to push the boundaries of innovation in military training. As Cobra Warrior unfolds, we celebrate the spirit of collaboration and the dedication of all involved in keeping our skies safe.

For more updates on Cobra Warrior and how Agincourt is shaping the future of defence training, stay tuned!

George Alison, from the UK Defence Journal has a done a great interview with some of the key figures in the exercise: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/we-spoke-to-a-saudi-pilot-ahead-of-cobra-warrior/