Scotland's Demanding Conditions Perfect Setting For Ultimate War Games

Elements of the biggest military exercise in Europe will take place in Scotland.

Exercise Joint Warrior 212 brings together the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, along with a range of NATO allies, to train together in potentially tough conditions.

Eleven NATO nations are taking part, bringing 25 warships, three submarines, more than 30 aircraft and about 6,750 personnel to military ranges across the UK and to maritime exercise areas off the west and north coasts of Scotland. 

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The exercise is linked directly with the NATO Military Training Exercise Programme and participating nations will aim to learn from one another and improve joint operations. 

Exercise Joint Warrior makes the most of demanding conditions found along the Scottish coast, which often sees unpredictable sea states and frequently changeable weather. 

The exercise will simulate a period of political and military tension, which personnel will have to deal with. 

Forces will organise and conduct a series of realistic military tasks including reconnaissance; anti-smuggling and counter terrorism operations; humanitarian assistance and evacuation operations. 

The twice-yearly Joint Warrior is the successor to the naval exercise Neptune Warrior. It can trace its heritage back 75 years.