The activity runs from 14 September to 2 October 2026 and includes forces from Britain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States. It is designed to rehearse the combat effectiveness, resilience and command-and-control coordination required to deter threats and respond to a conflict involving NATO.
RAF Typhoon, F-35 Lightning and P-8A Poseidon aircraft are operating alongside the service’s Air Mobility Force. Voyager tankers are supporting British, German, Italian and American aircraft and personnel during the training.
The programme will test how the RAF protects and continues operating from its home bases under pressure. It will also assess the service’s ability to integrate allied forces at speed, sustain demanding missions and conduct operations in contested airspace.
“The return of great power competition across the globe and the significant, and growing, threat posed by Russia to the UK and NATO makes this, by far, the most dangerous period in my 35 years of military service,” said Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff. “This is why the RAF is investing in our People and our capabilities – to defend the UK, deter our adversaries and, if necessary, defeat them across the Air and Space domains.”
Smyth said Cobra Warrior allowed the RAF to practise its response to aggression and test its defences during operations with NATO partners. The event is a practical demonstration of the service’s Warfighting Ready and NATO First priorities.
Cobra Warrior also marks the final stage of the UK’s Qualified Weapons Instructor courses, the RAF’s highest-level postgraduate warfighting qualification. Operating at scale with allied forces is intended to improve interoperability and prepare new weapons instructors for complex, high-threat scenarios.
“We are truly honoured and excited to be here at RAF Waddington to train alongside our NATO allies and international partners,” said Major Valerio C., the Italian deployment commander. “Cobra Warrior represents the premier tactical training environment, offering an invaluable opportunity to enhance our interoperability, refine joint tactics, and strengthen our collective readiness.”
Italian aircraft and personnel will use the event to test their capabilities alongside allied forces in contested operational scenarios. The multinational force will also work on joint tactics and shared procedures needed for collective defence.
RAF Cranwell is hosting German Air Force personnel taking part in the training. Their presence is intended to strengthen the working relationships that allow allied air forces to operate together during crises and conflict.
“RAF Cranwell is delighted to welcome our German Air Force colleagues to the Station for Exercise Cobra Warrior,” said Wing Commander Mathew Thornton, station commander at RAF Cranwell. “This Exercise provides an opportunity to strengthen our long-standing professional relationships, train alongside one another and build lasting friendships.”
