Chinook Helicopter operations centred at Leuchars as chinook helicopter take part in Kukri Dawn exercise
A month-long UK Armed Forces training programme running from mid‑February to mid‑March will bring increased low‑level flying and extra military movement across parts of Fife, and chinook helicopter are among the aircraft that may take part. The heightened activity is focused around Leuchars Station and nearby rural areas, and residents should expect more day and night flying and ground movements while the exercise continues.
Chinook Helicopter and chinook helicopter over Fife
Residents in West Fife and across the Kingdom may notice a rise in helicopters in the skies and increased military movement on rural roads during the exercise period. Training is a large‑scale programme taking place across Scotland with significant operations centred around Leuchars Station and surrounding areas. Flights are planned to avoid built‑up areas where possible, but crews will operate over open countryside to make training realistic.
What Kukri Dawn means locally
Exercise Kukri Dawn runs for roughly a month and involves Army personnel and helicopter crews practising low‑level flying, a skill used to support troops on the ground during operations. Low‑level flying helps crews stay out of sight of radar, navigate difficult terrain and maintain close contact with troops. Large twin‑rotor Chinook helicopters are commonly used to transport troops and equipment and may be seen among the aircraft taking part. Residents in areas around Leuchars, St Andrews and nearby rural zones may therefore notice more noise and an increased military presence during both daytime and nighttime hours.
Advice for people outdoors
The Ministry of Defence has issued specific guidance aimed at farmers, landowners, riders and others who spend time outdoors while the exercise is under way. Local communities are asked to follow any signs or instructions that are in place while training is conducted. Anyone with questions or concerns about low‑flying activity during Kukri Dawn can contact the Ministry of Defence’s low‑flying team for further information.
- Duration: The exercise runs from mid‑February to mid‑March and covers parts of Fife and wider Scotland.
- Where to expect it: Increased flying and military movement centred on Leuchars, with effects felt in St Andrews and surrounding rural areas.
- What to do: Follow on‑site signs and instructions; contact the low‑flying team with questions or concerns.
Analysis and forward look: with the exercise scheduled through mid‑March, observable indicators — the stated month‑long timetable and the planned focus on low‑level flying — point to sustained helicopter movements and noise for the remainder of the training period. If crews continue low‑level sorties as planned, communities near Leuchars should expect ongoing operations and should follow local instructions until the exercise ends.
