Royal Navy warships HMS Defender and HMS Kent are at the heart of a formidable NATO task force currently off the coast of Scotland.
The aim of this robust assembly is to scrutinise the alliance’s impressive missile and air defence capabilities within the challenging expanse of the North Atlantic.
This task group comprises over 20 ships and 35 aircraft, drawn from 13 NATO allies and partners. Now eight days into an intense three-week drill, the focus is on the trial of advanced weaponry and air defence systems.