Crews of Belgian warship Louise Marie fired their main gun, hitting targets ashore at the Cape Wrath firing range in Scotland as part of Exercise Strike Warrior.
The frigate tweeted:
“Shooting the 76mm gun aboard frigate Louise-Marie takes a full team working in sync. During a GUN exercise for #STRIKEWARRIOR, the ship hit targets on shore, with spotters verifying the shots.”
|STRIKE WARRIOR| LOUISE-MARIE
💥Shooting the 76mm gun aboard frigate Louise-Marie takes a full team working in sync. During a GUN exercise for #STRIKEWARRIOR, the ship hit targets on shore, with Royal Army spotters verifying the shots. pic.twitter.com/AEzogZT31O
— Belgian Navy 🇧🇪 (@TheBelgianNavy) October 19, 2024
Cape Wrath is a remote headland located at the northwestern tip of the Scottish Highlands in Sutherland, Scotland. Known for its dramatic cliffs and rugged landscape, it marks the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea. Its name is derived from the Old Norse word “hvarf,” meaning “turning point,” as it was used as a navigation marker by Viking sailors. The area is famous for its wild natural beauty and isolation, with limited road access and sparse human habitation, contributing to its untamed and largely untouched environment.
Cape Wrath is also home to the Cape Wrath Training Area, a military range used by the Ministry of Defence. Established during World War II, it serves as one of the few places in Europe where live munitions are still used for training purposes. Despite its military function, the cape also attracts hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts who come to explore the area’s dramatic landscapes, including the Cape Wrath Lighthouse, built in 1828, which overlooks the rugged coastline and the often stormy seas. The surrounding region is part of the North West Highlands Geopark, recognised for its unique geological formations.
What is Strike Warrior?
Exercise Strike Warrior is a major naval training event held by the Royal Navy, designed to enhance combat readiness and strengthen interoperability among allied forces. Taking place off the coast of Scotland, the exercise involves a wide array of naval assets, including surface ships, submarines, and air units, such as the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, plays a central role, alongside other vessels like HMS Iron Duke. The training scenarios during Strike Warrior include simulated air and missile attacks, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat exercises, providing a rigorous test of the fleet’s capabilities.
It brings together forces from NATO allies and partner nations, fostering coordination and tactical skill development among participants. By simulating high-intensity combat operations, Strike Warrior aims to ensure that participating units, including aircraft, frigates, and destroyers, are well-prepared to meet the challenges of naval warfare.
Full on clickbait in the title, this is getting out of hand. Every exercise that involves live fire drills is given a headline suggesting that WW3 has just started. You know some people will only read the headline, and this kinda stuff gets shared.
Really!!😂
Poor Scotland is about to be invaded by Belgium…
they won’t have much to stop it.
excellent choice of target.