The north-west coast of Scotland is set to host a major NATO exercise, Exercise Formidable Shield, beginning on Monday, with ten nations participating.
The exercise will span three weeks, providing NATO forces and partner nations the opportunity to train together in a secure, yet realistic, environment.
Running from May 8th to 26th, the exercise will be conducted at the Ministry of Defence Hebrides Missile Testing Range Sites in Scotland, as well as the Andoya Test Centre in Andenes, Norway.
Exercise Formidable Shield is designed to enable NATO and its allies to practice working cohesively to defend European member nations from potential ballistic missile threats.
Throughout the exercise, dozens of live-fire rehearsal events will be held against subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets. These events will involve multiple allied vessels, ground forces, and aviation forces from the participating nations, showcasing the alliance’s ability to operate as an integrated and effective fighting force.
Exercise Formidable Shield, first held in 2017, has become an essential event in NATO’s training calendar. This year’s iteration will bring together naval forces from across the alliance, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The exercise provides an opportunity for participating nations to share best practices, test and validate new systems, and enhance their ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force.
Interesting .The only nation on that list that do not have AAW capable ships is Canada. I guess they are starting preparations to enter the club with their real Type 26 GS.
The Halifax class has AAW capabilities; but to your point not to the extent of other allied ships however. The Iroquois class destroyers were the Halifax’s air cover.
My point is that Halifax have missiles for self defence, while other ships have area aerial warfare capability with +150km range missiles.
The upcoming CSC class will be brimming with missiles of all types. The last load-out saw was impressive.
I hope I live long enough to see one built. 🙂