WARSHIPS from around the world will gather at HM Naval Base Clyde this weekend before setting off on the latest Joint Warrior military exercise.

HM Naval Base Clyde will host around 430 additional personnel from the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff, who will co-ordinate the giant exercise from the base’s maritime operations centre.

Many of the warships involved will gather at the Clyde base and at Glasgow’s King George V dock ahead of the exercise, with most of the activity happening off the west and north coasts of Scotland.

One of the largest military exercises in Europe, Joint Warrior will see maritime activity from 35 naval units from Denmark, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US.

On land, 16 Air Asssault Brigade Headquarters and the associated Battle Group, 2 PARA, will join troops from the Netherlands, Sweden and the US.

The Cape Wrath weapons range in the North of Scotland will also see firing activity taking place.

The exercise will provide the UK, allies and partner nations the opportunity to practice the vital skills needed on the modern battlefield.

During the fortnight skills such as maritime task force training, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, mine counter measures training, maritime security operations, close air support, intelligence gathering, electronic warfare training, and GPS denial operations will all be practised.

Exercise Joint Warrior is held twice a year, in the spring and autumn, and participation is open to all NATO allies and partners, providing high quality operational training.

For more information on Exercise Joint Warrior, including notices to mariners and details of GPS denial operations, please visit Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde’s (QHM Clyde) webpage at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/qhm/clyde/jw.