Salisbury Plain is hosting over 600 soldiers this week in Exercise Lion Strike, one of the largest exercises to take place on the Plain.

The exercise, which takes place three times a year, is the final element of the Combat and Combat Support Arms sub-unit commanders’ course. It consists of a full Armoured Battle Group and involves all the principal phases of war.

Exercise Lion Strike includes a Squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks from A Squadron 2 Royal Tank Regiment, including eight Combat Reconnaissance Tracked vehicles and 30 vehicles from two WAWarrior Companies provided by 2 Royal Welsh.

The exercise is an essential element of the tactical training of majors before they take over command of their Companies and Squadrons.

Commenting on the exercise, Lt Col Mark Hiskett, Principal Training Safety Officer DIO Ops Training South West, said: “DIO’s priority is to support our Armed Forces as they prepare for operations.

"Salisbury Plain is the only training area in the UK where such large scale armoured manoeuvre training can take place.

“The DIO safety staff at Salisbury Plain have a key role to play this week. They are keeping a very close eye on training to ensure that it is safe and not detrimental to the environment.

"Staff also have to make sure that the exercise does not come into contact with the many other military units using the Plain at the same time.”