Cumbria to see more low-flying military jets during major summer exercise
People across Cumbria may notice an increase in low-flying military aircraft over the coming weeks.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Exercise Storm Warrior will run from Monday, July 6, until Friday, August 28.
The large training exercise will involve several fixed-wing military aircraft operating across parts of northern England and Scotland. Cumbria is among the counties expected to experience daytime flying activity.
Flights could take place throughout the day
The published exercise window runs from 8am until 11.30pm.
However, Cumbria is only listed among the areas affected during daytime operations. Night flying is expected to focus on parts of Northumberland and southern Scotland.
The exact number of flights over Cumbria is not known, and activity may vary from day to day.
Residents could see or hear military jets passing through the county’s valleys and open countryside as crews complete low-level training.
What is Exercise Storm Warrior?
Storm Warrior is a Ministry of Defence-sponsored air exercise involving multiple fixed-wing aircraft.
It will use several parts of the UK’s military low-flying system, including areas covering Cumbria, Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. Other areas across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and central Scotland are also included.
The MOD publishes details of planned exercises involving fast jets, helicopters and transport aircraft within the UK low-flying system.
Low-level training allows military aircrews to practise flying close to the terrain and navigating through challenging landscapes.
Cumbria is regularly used for this type of training because of its mountains, valleys and large rural areas.
Exercise runs for almost eight weeks
The exercise is scheduled to continue until August 28, meaning sightings could occur throughout much of the summer.
Flights are unlikely to take place continuously, and the published dates represent the wider period in which training may occur.
Plans may also change because of weather, aircraft availability or operational needs.
Residents who see an increase in military jets over the county during July and August should therefore not be alarmed, as the flights are expected to form part of the planned exercise.
