Three Royal Navy patrol boats are in Wick harbour, ready to take part in a major UK-led multinational military exercise.

Joint Warrior – one of the largest exercises of its kind in Europe – is running from October 4-15 with several of the participating vessels operating off the north coast, including the Pentland Firth.

The three vessels currently in Wick are HMS Example, HMS Express and HMS Puncher. They are Archer class patrol boats, also known as P2000s.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: "The vessels are there at the moment on standby to support activity happening off the north-east coast."

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At just over 20 metres long, the P2000s are some of the smallest ships in the fleet.

Eleven nations are taking take part in Joint Warrior, bringing 28 warships, two submarines, 81 aircraft and more than 6000 military personnel – including 130 ground troops – to military ranges across the country and to maritime exercise areas off Scotland's east, west and north coasts.

The exercise takes place twice a year, in the spring and autumn. It is planned by the Joint Tactical Exercise Planning Staff based at Northwood in London who deploy to HM Naval Base Clyde to co-ordinate events during the fortnight.

Joint Warrior forms part of a wider “Groupex”, running from September 21 to October 15. This is the UK Carrier Strike Group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. Cape Wrath weapons range is being used for joint firing activity.

Related story:

• Royal Navy patrol boats visit Wick on summer deployment

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