Agile Warrior 26:

We are currently in the middle of Exercise Agile Warrior 26, a premier homeland defence exercise that runs until March 13th, 2026.

While pilots are used to seeing "Cobra Warrior" or "Joint Warrior" on the NOTAMs, Agile Warrior is a different beast. Its core mission is "Dispersal" and practising the RAF's ability to operate when their main bases (like Coningsby or Waddington) are theoretically "compromised."

​For the PPL holder, the "Yellow" warning here is about unpredictability. Under the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, fast jets, Chinooks, and A400M transporters are utilizing smaller civilian airfields and "austere" strips for rapid refuelling and rearming.

You may find that airfields in the North East, Lincolnshire, and even parts of the South West (near RAF St Mawgan) are seeing "pop-up" military traffic that isn't always reflected in your standard long-term planning charts.

​The CAA has issued several Airspace Co-ordination Notices (ACNs) for this period. Specifically, be on the lookout for:

1. ​High-Intensity Radio Transmission Areas (HIRTA): Increased electronic jamming and radar profiles are being conducted, particularly over the North Sea (Danger Areas D323 and D613), which can occasionally affect civilian GPS reliability in coastal regions.

   
   

2. ​LARS Pressure: Lower Initial Flight Information Services (LARS) provided by units like Leeming or Coningsby are under extreme load. Expect "Limited Service" or "Frequency Busy" calls. If you are transiting near military hubs, consider a "Monitoring Squawk" (7010 for some areas) and stay off the air unless necessary.

   
   

3. ​Low-Level "Tactical" Transits: Military aircraft are avoiding the "hub and spoke" routes. They are flying low-level tactical "slices" across the country at speeds exceeding 450 knots. At these speeds, a "see and avoid" window is mere seconds.

   
   

​The most vital takeaway for PPL Club members this week is NOTAM discipline. Do not rely on a briefing from two days ago. Agile Warrior moves fast; a "Temporary Reserved Area" (TRA) or a "Restricted Area (Temporary)" (RA(T)) can be activated with relatively short notice via the AIS website or the 0800 515544 information line.

​If you are flying in the "Lincolnshire Triangle" or the "Borders" region before March 13th, treat every leg as high-risk for military encounters. Ensure your Electronic Conspicuity is powered on and transmitting, even if you are staying in Class G, to give the military controllers the best chance of de-conflicting their fast-moving assets from your aircraft.