The roar of fighter jets fills the crisp British air as Exercise Cobra Warrior 25-1 kicks off, bringing together some of the world’s most advanced aircraft and elite aircrews. With over 50 aircraft taking to the skies from multiple Royal Air Force stations, this isn’t just another training drill, it’s Europe’s premier air combat exercise.
Taking place from 24 February to 14 March, Cobra Warrior sees a formidable mix of NATO allies, including France and Türkiye, as well as Saudi Arabia, a non-NATO participant, all converging in the UK for high-intensity tactical air operations. The participating bases, RAF Waddington, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Coningsby, RAF Brize Norton, and RAF Leeming, are hosting a variety of aircraft, from fast jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-15SA, and Rafale to crucial air-to-air refuelling and support assets.
Behind a trio of sleek French Rafale fighters, I spoke with Group Captain Jim Calvert, Exercise Director for Cobra Warrior, to get a deeper understanding of its objectives, how real-world conflicts shape the training, and what success looks like for those involved.
A Stage for Tactical Mastery
Cobra Warrior isn’t just about flying impressive aircraft; it’s about sharpening combat skills in a realistic, large-force environment. Pilots and crews face a range of high-stakes scenarios, from defensive counter-air missions to complex offensive strikes. The exercise also integrates critical enabling capabilities, including cyber warfare, logistics, and joint terminal air control, all essential in modern conflict.
“We’re very fortunate here in the UK to run and host what I believe is the premier air exercise in Europe,” Calvert explains. “Cobra Warrior 25-1 is focused on integrating nations and their capabilities while refining our tactics and ensuring interoperability across our forces.”
That international collaboration is the beating heart of the exercise. Over the course of the training, aircrews navigate simulated air and ground-based threats, requiring seamless coordination, tactical adaptability, and the ability to operate as a single, cohesive force.
Lessons from the Modern Battlefield
With the ever-evolving nature of warfare, does Cobra Warrior reflect lessons drawn from real-world conflicts? Calvert acknowledges that while the exercise doesn’t directly mimic specific battles, it does incorporate broad themes shaping today’s combat landscape.
“Rather than replicating exact scenarios, we focus on the macro-level lessons,” he says. “How the battlefield has changed with digital evolution, electromagnetic warfare, and the importance of controlling or denying access to the electromagnetic spectrum.”
These themes are particularly relevant given the growing prevalence of GPS denial and cyber threats in modern warfare. Cobra Warrior integrates these challenges, pushing participants to operate in contested environments where traditional navigation and communication tools may be compromised. From advanced air defence threats to maritime operations over the North Sea, and land-based exercises at locations like Otterburn and RAF Spadeadam, every element of the exercise is designed to test and refine the participants’ ability to adapt and prevail.
Measuring Success: Beyond the Tactics
With such a large-scale and high-tech exercise, how do the organisers measure success? While tactical and technical benchmarks exist, Calvert believes the true value of Cobra Warrior lies in something more fundamental: relationships.
“When we arrive, it’s about more than just hardware and tactics,” he says. “It’s about the people. The relationships. Realising that our allies operate in ways very similar to us, sometimes surprisingly so. And, most importantly, when we go on to operate together in real-world scenarios, we won’t be asking ‘Who are you?’ but instead, ‘How are you?’”
That human connection is what ensures the future effectiveness of these partnerships. Beyond the high-speed manoeuvres and simulated dogfights, Cobra Warrior cements alliances, fosters interoperability, and prepares participants for the realities of modern air combat.
As the exercise continues to evolve, incorporating new technologies and responding to emerging threats, one thing remains clear: Cobra Warrior isn’t just about training for today’s battles, it’s about ensuring air forces worldwide are ready for whatever comes next.
