For centuries they were sworn enemies but the Royal Navy and French Navy are showing how well they can work together as they take part in one of Europe’s biggest military exercises centred on RAF Leuchars.
The RAF and French Navy aircraft are operating from Fife during Exercise Joint Warrior (JW) 131, and The Courier was invited to RAF Leuchars to see aircraft departing on a wave of sorties as part of the exercise.
Typhoon aircraft from Leuchars-based 6 Squadron are taking part in the exercise, which provides training for all three UK armed services.
Additionally, a small detachment of Hawk aircraft of Number 100 Squadron from RAF Leeming in Yorkshire is flying sorties from Leuchars.
RAF Leuchars is also hosting a detachment of the French Navy Carrier Air, consisting of Rafale, Super Etendard and E2C Hawkeye aircraft.
The French detachment arrived at Leuchars last week and has been conducting familiarisation flights. Night flying is also an important part of the exercise.
One man who is delighted to be taking part is Lieutenant Commander Chris Roy, 32, of Stirling, who has been a key player in the organisation of the exercise.Click here for a full photo galleryA qualified fast jet pilot who flew Harriers until their retirement, he has been with the Royal Navy for 14 years and is on exchange to a staff job with the French Navy.
His primary role is to teach the French how to operate close air support.
Lieutenant Commander Roy, who is normally based at Landivisiau naval air station near Brest in north-west France, told The Courier: “I was here at Leuchars for a year with the Royal Navy in 2001. I recommended use of the base for this exercise because it has better weather than many bases.
“For these big exercises it’s better to have fast jets in one place, which is what we have at Leuchars. It’s not just about flying together, it’s about briefing together in person because a key part of the training is about mission preparation.”
Exercise Joint Warrior started on Monday and finishes a week on Friday. A total of 300 French Navy personnel are taking part, including 240 engineers based at Barry Buddon in Angus.
Lt Cdr Roy said: “The Royal Air Force are really looking after us and the French Navy are really enjoying the training and hospitality.
“A lot of the guys took the time at the weekend to do a bit of sightseeing. It’s been really good.
“Interestingly, because the French and Royal Navy were embroiled in wars for so many centuries, we have adapted many similar ways of doing things.”