Military Jets Photography: 2013 09 12 Spotting at EGCX, exercise Saudi Green Flag

For two weeks during September, RAF Coningsby became a hive of activity with the base hosting guests from the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF – al-quwwāt al-ğawwiyyah al-malakiyyah as-suʿūdiyyah) as they joined the Royal Air Force to take part in Exercise Saudi-British Green Flag.
The exercise, starting on September 4th, saw a RSAF force of 4 Panavia Tornado IDS and 4 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft working alongside Royal Air Force Typhoons and Tornados in a series of sorties from RAF Coningsby during which the crews gained experience and knowledge of how the other force works. A typical sortie saw eight Tornados and eight Typhoons take off in pairs during two daily waves with one in the morning and another in the afternoon, lasting on average 1-2 hours with each two-ship flight comprising a RAF and RSAF aircraft. The exercise also allowed the two air arms to work in conjunction with the same aircraft types to understanding how to utilise the aircraft to its full potential with the aim being to gain a greater overall effect and knowledge of the aircraft and operating tactics.
The RAF element of the exercise was provided by the Coningsby based 3 (Fighter) Squadron, alongside a composite Tornado GR4 force from RAF Marham, who deployed to the airfield for the duration.