Netherlands Air Force to train in north of England
Getty ImagesThe Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will be carrying out "intensive training" over parts of England for three weeks.
Forces from the UK's NATO ally landed at Carlisle Airport on Friday to begin training as part of Exercise TAC Blaze, during which aircraft will fly over the range at RAF Spadeadam and into the Cumbrian and Northumberland countryside.
Up to 10 helicopters, including Chinook and Apache aircraft, will be flying in the area, while Dutch ground troops will provide support during the exercise.
RAF wing commander Matt Lawrence, said the training would take place in a "high-threat air defence environment over realistic terrain and in challenging weather".
Lawrence, station commander at RAF Spadeadam, said: "Never has this type of training been so important to NATO, to demonstrate to potential foes that NATO is capable of high-end warfighting and to act as a deterrence.
"It is an honour to be able to enable this training here, the only location in Europe where they can do it."
During the training helicopter pilots will carry out simulated missions against potential threats.
Crews will use evasive manoeuvres and other tactics to defeat the enemy.
"Thanks to our neighbours across Cumbria and Northumberland for their forbearance at the potential disturbance, but this training is essential and will save lives in the event that these units deploy on live operations," Lawrence said.