FighterControl

Written answer from Philip Hammond, MP, and Secretary of State for Defence, dated 9 September 2013:

Joint Warrior 13-2 will take place from 6-17 October 2013 in the seas around the east and west coast of Scotland from the Firth of Forth to Clyde approaches; on the Defence training estate of Tain, Spadeadam and Cape Wrath; and in the air space of northern England and Scotland. The nations participating are the UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway and USA.

A visiting delegation of senior naval officers from Denmark is expected to visit on 7-8 October 2013.

Separately, the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force concept is being exercised at RAF Leeming, with a delegation of senior air force officers from France planned to visit on 15-16 October 2013.

I'm gonna head down tomorrow and stop over for a couple of days. Weather not wonderful over the next few days but who knows may get some nice shots

I spent the last three days at Glen Tilt, north of Blair Athol. We had a few movements through the glen, including four Joint Warrior Hawks in line ahead (on Thursday), but it was particularly interesting yesterday morning watching a Voyager tanking first two of the French Mirages, then with a couple of GR4s, and, later again, with four more GR4s, one of which was hooked-up whilst the others waited their turn. The Voyager was operating in a wide circle over the wider Glen Tilt-Cammoch Hill area. My guess is that the GR4s were from 617, preparating for Afghanistan. I took some photos in the unbelievably perfect light but obviously the Voyager and its thirsty friends were high. Haven't downloaded them yet so don't know what they look like - though I doubt they'll be any good as my Canon 7D developed an AF fault...

During my time away the Mirages transited the area very high, in loose formations.

At least 2 of the Gr4`s were 31 Squadron "Voodoo 41+42"