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Troops from around the world are to descend on a North Wales abandoned nuclear power station in one of the biggest military training exercises of its kind.

Warplanes and surface to air missiles will be used as part of the training mission, which will see reservists from the Honourable Artillery Company protect Trawsfynydd power station and Llanbedr airfield from multinational units including the US Marines, Japanese, and Malaysian troops.

British Army regulars will also take part.

The HAC say the operation, which is named Exercise Vambrace Warrior, will be the most ambitious they have conducted.

Aimed at developing the Regiment’s operational role, including long-range patrols and advanced observation skills, the exercise will see the HAC joined by British air defence units equipped with Rapier and high-velocity missile air-defence systems.

Jonathan Ivey, Unit Press Officer for the HAC, said people had no reason to be alarmed by the exercise.

He said: “We want to get the message out that this is a multinational exercise and there is no reason for anyone to be worried.

“North Wales is a beautiful part of the world and the airfield and power station provide an ideal setting.”

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The exercise will be the largest UK ground-based air defence concentration since 2003 and for many of the nations taking part, this will be the first time they have trained in the UK.

He added: "Through past exercises abroad and various co-operations, the HAC has assembled forces from nations like Malaysia and the US to create their most ambitious exercise.”

“We’ll see surface-to-air missiles based here and people may see military aircraft such as US Hercules.”

“It will be the largest UK ground-based air defence concentration since 2003.

“We are very privileged to be conducting the exercise in North Wales.”

Exercise Vambrace Warrior will take place between October 8 and 15.