7,000 troops assemble off Scots coast for war games

THE north and west coasts of Scotland yesterday began to host one of the biggest war games in Europe.

Eleven NATO nations are taking part, with 25 warships, three submarines, over 30 aircraft and around 6,750 military personnel – including 500 ground troops. Joint Warrior 212, which incorporates Dynamic Mariner 21, will run until September 30.

The participating nations are the UK, Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, France, Norway, Latvia, Germany and USA.

Mine countermeasure vessels will conduct exercises around Campbeltown, Loch Ewe, Gruinard Bay, Loch Broom, Little Loch Broom, Enard Bay and Shiant Bank. Amphibious operations will take place around Loch Ewe, Loch Goil and Kyle of Lochalsh. Aircraft will operate from RAF Lossiemouth and Prestwick Airport.

Joint firing activity will take place at Cape Wrath Weapons Range, Garvie Island and the QinetiQ Hebrides range. Activity in the North Minch, off Ullapool, will involve fast small boats.

An MoD spokesman said: ‘Participants will be faced with realistic military tasks such as reconnaissance; anti-smuggling and counterterrorism operations; humanitarian assistance and evacuations.’