AN operation designed to test the response of Nato against missile threats has begun off the Outer Hebrides.
The first ever “live fire” exercise of its kind in European waters will see Nato forces test their defences against incoming ballistic missiles. The US 6th Fleet is leading the exercise, the second time this year that US Navy ships have taken part in exercises off the coast of Scotland.
Nato announced yesterday that Operation Formidable Shield got under way successfully on Sunday at the Hebrides Range, a large area of sea used for testing missile systems which was recently used to test a new Royal Navy air missile defence system. Operation Formidable Shield will merge into the annual UK-led Joint Warrior exercise which starts later this week.
The operation involves ships and aircraft from the USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Some 14 ships, ten aircraft and around 3300 personnel will be involved in the exercise.
Nato stated yesterday: “Formidable Shield will see Allied ships detect-ing, tracking and defending against a range of anti-ship and ballistic missiles using Nato command and control procedures.
“Drills will include sharing a common tactical picture, conducting joint mission planning and engagement co-ordination. The live-fire naval exercise will be the first time in Europe that Allies practice defending against incoming ballistic missiles with no prior warning.
“Maritime patrol aircraft and Nato AWACS surveillance aircraft will provide aerial over-watch and ensure that the airspace is clear.”
Among vessels reported to be taking part are the Dutch navy’s HNLMS De Ruyter which is being given the task of tracking weapons fired from a US guided missile destroyer.
The much larger Joint Warrior exercise is set to begin this weekend.
Operation Formidable Shield is the latest piece in a missile defence jigsaw which Nato began to put together seven years ago.
The organisation stated: “Nato missile defence links Allied sensors and weapons together in a single system. Major components of Nato missile defence include four US Navy destroyers with the ‘Aegis’ missile defence system home-ported in Rota, Spain and a US operated land-based system in Romania known as ‘Aegis Ashore’.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel