QinetiQ-operated MOD Hebrides central to live-fire sink exercise

The Atlantic Thunder 2026 exercise took place at MOD Hebrides, a complex weapons test site operated by QinetiQ through the Long-Term Partnering Agreement, where the retired USS Klakring was sunk in deep water 150 miles off the archipelago.

Led by the United States Sixth Fleet, the exercise was designed to test a range of capabilities working together, including ships and aircraft.

QinetiQ’s Banshee Whirlwind, an uncrewed aerial target was also involved. Operated by the Combined Aerial Targets Service, they provided realistic threats while running sorties over the exercise area where they were tracked by the RAF's P8 Poseidon, a maritime surveillance aircraft.

QinetiQ safeguarded the exercise area, from the Range Control and Range Head buildings on South Uist, off the north west coast of Scotland.

Will Blamey, Chief Executive, UK Defence, QinetiQ said: "Atlantic Thunder is a complex exercise, delivered in partnership with the US Sixth Fleet and Royal Navy to ensure they are warfighting ready.

"Our experts coordinate a range of activity to ensure the exercise is successful for our partners, from managing the safety of a vast area of sea and air space, to planning and overseeing the realistic live-fire scenarios.”