Military aircraft will fill the skies over the Solent and the Isle of Wight this week. A new air exercise notice covers the period from 10am Monday (6th July) until 11.59pm on Friday (10th July 2026).
Up to eight military aircraft will take part in the exercise, according to the notice.
Pilots will carry out high energy manoeuvres across a wide stretch of airspace stretching from Dorset to the eastern Solent.
The exercise zone runs from the surface up to 2,000 feet above mean sea level.
Where the exercise covers
The boundary drawn up for the exercise takes in a large area of sea and coastline south of the Mainland.
It stretches from the Dorset coast near Weymouth, across Salisbury Plain’s southern edge, and down through the Solent towards Brighton.
The Isle of Wight sits within this zone.
Residents in Ventnor and along the Undercliff have already reported hearing aircraft noise this week and can expect more at various points during the five-day window.
Details remain limited
RAF Coningsby Spotters Group shared the notice, but flagged some gaps in the official information.
The group’s post states plainly that the notam doesn’t specify the exact flying hours. It also notes that officials haven’t named which squadron or squadrons will take part.
Anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of specific aircraft types won’t find that detail in the published notice either.
Weather and timing caveats apply
The exercise remains subject to weather conditions throughout the five-day period.
The usual caveats to military flying schedules, meaning delays or cancellations can happen at short notice are added.
What residents can expect
People walking along the coast path or working outdoors may notice low-flying aircraft during daylight hours across the exercise period.
Boat owners and sailors in the Solent and around the Isle of Wight Wight should stay alert to military traffic overhead.
Our thanks to Chausettes for the story tip.
