The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) sent eight of their Tornado IDSs from 75 Squadron based at Dhahran to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland for exercise Saudi Green Flag 07.

This was the first time that the RSAF had deployed its Tornados outside of the Gulf region, and was a follow up to a squadron exchange when the RAF deployed to Saudi Arabia for Exercise Lone Flame in 2006.

Flying took place between August 28 and September 7, and involved missions with RAF Tornado GR.4 aircraft from 617 Squadron based at Lossiemouth. During the second week, the local forces were joined by Tornado F.3s from RAF Kinloss and Typhoon F.1s from 3(F) Squadron based at RAF Coningsby.

The RSAF were also cleared to use the UK Military Low Flying System to gain extra low flying experience, and made good use of some of the bombing ranges around the UK.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with Saudi Green Flag and are looking to at the possibility of further joint exercises rotating between the two countries on a yearly basis.

During my visit to “Lossie” on September 5 a Boeing 767 arrived with VIPs from Saudi Arabia to inspect their forces and observe the exercise proceedings. An airfield attack by RAF and RSAF Tornados and RAF Typhoons was planned as a demonstration for the VIPs. However, the low cloud ceiling put paid to anything other than flybys over the airfield. The passengers were seen to be boarding the 767 before the first aircraft arrived overhead. At least the spectators outside the base fence appreciated the performance!

I had a very enjoyable time watching the Saudis – the light can be fantastic at Lossie’s high latitude, and the different vantage points around the base, combined with its small wooden fences, allow for some great photographic opportunities. If the weather plays ball, it’s one of the nicest places to shoot in my book.

The above article was published in December 2007 in Fence Check Magazine