16 April 2012 Last updated at 15:50

In pictures: Joint Warrior exercise gets under way

A major military exercise is under way in south west Scotland with one of the first elements being an aerial assault on the airfield at West Freugh near Stranraer

The exercise is held twice a year to prepare forces from the UK, US, Denmark, Norway, France, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands for events and active service

Joint Warrior is aimed at creating a task group capable of being deployed to worldwide incidents such as last year's war in Libya

Under the scenario, troops landed in the conflict zone after Nato sent a rapid intervention force to create the conditions for a UN peace-keeping force to take control

Brig Giles Hill, commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said it was currently the largest exercise held by the Ministry of Defence

The entire exercise will involve more than 1,600 troops and be supported by Apache, Chinook and Sea King from the Joint Helicopter Force. A total of 8,000 Royal Navy personnel on board 30 vessels are also taking part

South Scotland

In pictures: Joint Warrior exercise gets under way

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