The sound of fighter jets repeatedly flying over Sheffield yesterday afternoon left many residents worried and wondering what was going on.
Woodseats resident, Michelle Belcher, said: “I was tidying the girls bedroom and heard a rumble, it got closer, I looked out the window and saw it fly past and it gave me heart palpitations. I started shaking fearing the worst.”
Many people on social media expressed their concern and confusion over what these aircrafts were actually doing. In a Woodseats Facebook group, a woman commented: “I didn’t like it one bit and neither did my autistic son. We had just got out the car and they shot over us”.
This comment was under a post that read: “Anyone know what the 3 fighter jets flying over are all about ??”.
Someone on the r/Sheffield group on Reddit also said “Yeah they flew right overhead here in Killamarsh. Thought the roof was coming in!”.
However, officials have confirmed there is no need for locals to worry.
An RAF spokesperson told ShefNews that the jets seen flying over Sheffield yesterday were part of a bi-annual exercise called Cobra Warrior. The aircraft flying over were four Belgian F16 as well as four Finnish F18 routing around West and South Sheffield. They are due to patrol the skies across the UK for the next two weeks.
The fighter jets were also spotted in North Derbyshire, Lincoln, Huddersfield, The Lake District and Peak District. All regions are likely to witness groups of diverse aircraft operating together on clear days, like yesterday.
A total of 70 aircraft are participating in the world-class air exercise, which will go on from March 2nd until March 24th. Participants will experience tactical, high-intensity training that simulates combat scenarios with NATO allies and partner relations, directed by staff at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
RAF Waddington Station Commander Lorriman-Hughes said: “It is wonderful once again to welcome our fellow RAF and international colleagues. This bi-annual event provides an invaluable opportunity for international allies to train together in developing operational tactics in the air.”
The involvement of Finland is a part of a larger training exercise to support the Joint Expeditionary Force, or JEF Warrior, which is led by the UK.
Finnish, Indian, and Royal Saudi Air Force contingents are partaking for the first time this year. Six Typhoons will be flown by the Saudis from RAF Coningsby and five Mirage 2000s will be flown by the Indian Air Force.
Featured picture taken by Steel City Photographer.
