Chinook helicopter flights returned over Glasgow on September 2 as Police Scotland officers, firefighters, medics and military personnel joined an RAF-led exercise. The movement drew attention after locals spotted the aircraft flying low and began speculating about the reason for their arrival.
Paul Day, the Chinook flight commander, said: "This is the culminating exercise for our trainee Chinook pilots and crewmen before they progress to operational flying duties." He added: "Operating in the demanding conditions found here in Scotland, alongside our civil partners and the British Army, provides realistic, high-quality training that develops the skills, experience and confidence our crews need for future operations."
Exercise Tartan Kukri in Glasgow and Cambuslang
Exercise Tartan Kukri runs from September 2 to September 18, 2026, and is designed to give personnel experience in joint aviation operations supported by RAF Chinook helicopters. Police Scotland officers flew in the helicopters from their headquarters in Tulliallan to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Cambuslang as part of the training.
The exercise brought together Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and the military to improve how they work together during major incidents. Participants included firearms and counter-terrorism officers, the Major Incident Support and Coordination Unit, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and RAF Chinook crews.
Doug Mackay on JESIP
Police Scotland officers joined Royal Marines and the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland in a scenario-based training exercise using blank ammunition. The exercise tested the safe handling, triage and handover of individuals between military and police personnel, reflecting the principles of the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme.
Lieutenant Colonel Doug Mackay said: "This exercise is a valuable opportunity for Defence to work in close cooperation with our emergency services colleagues in a challenging and fast-moving scenario, improving our interoperability and gaining mutual understanding of each other's organizations and way of working. Tough, realistic training is key to operational success on the day." Exercise Kukri Dawn took place in March 2026 with joint police and Defence activity centred on Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
September 18 in Scotland
The training gives Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service and military units a shared run-through of aviation support and handover procedures before the exercise ends on September 18, 2026. How many aircraft, personnel or specific training sorties are involved was not stated.
