Military aircraft step up night flights across East Anglia during exercise
The 48th fighter wing will conduct a 48-hour readiness exercise from October 1 to 3. - Credit: Archant
People across a wide swathe of Cambridgeshire will notice an increase in night flying by military aircraft next month.
The 48th fighter wing will conduct a 48-hour readiness exercise from October 1 to 3 that will include limited flying at night.
During this period, communities in East Anglia and the surrounding regions may see and hear the aircraft transiting between RAF Lakenheath and training ranges over the North Sea several times between sunset and sunrise.
“The Airmen assigned to RAF Lakenheath are prepared to fly in the defence of our nation, the United Kingdom and our shared allies 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Colonel William L Marshall, 48th fighter wing commander.
“We know the call could come day or night, and training like this helps us maintain our ability to respond under any conditions.”
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Overland flying will be limited as much as possible between sunset and sunrise.
Exercises like this provide both aircrew and support personnel stationed at RAF Lakenheath the experience needed to maintain a ready force capable of ensuring the collective defence of the NATO alliance.
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“We know how lucky we are to be in this country, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to live and serve alongside the people of East Anglia,” Col Marshall said.
“We recognise these night flights are unusual and will continue to do what we can to minimise the impact of our training programme.
“Thank you for your understanding and patience while we complete this short period of critical training.”
The exercise does not include plans for low-altitude flying in East Anglia or the surrounding regions.
All training will be conducted in accordance with Ministry of Defence and U.K. airspace regulations.
Please contact the MOD at SWK-lowflying@mod.gov.uk with any aircraft-related flying concerns.
