Chinook helicopters have been seen flying over Fife in recent days – but why are they here and what are they doing?

Why are they here?

The helicopters have been seen as part of Ministry of Defence (MOD) exercises.

As part of exercise Storm Merlin, chinook’s may be seen during the day from 8.30am to 1.30am. This exercise will run from September 16 to October 4.

Other counties affected by the operation include Perth and Kinross, Clackmannanshire, and Inverclyde.

Exercise Talon Highlander will also be taking place from September 9 to 29.

This will take place from 8am to 1.30am daily. Multiple types of aircraft will be used for both of these exercises.

Will it affect Fife at night?

Fife will not be impacted by either of these exercises at night.

What is a chinook?

A chinook is a support helicopter that can be operated into a range of environments.

The Royal Air Force’s website states: “The aircraft may be armed and is fitted with a suite of self-defence equipment allowing it to operate across the battlespace.

"Chinooks are primarily used for trooping, resupply and battlefield casualty evacuation (casevac).

"With its triple-hook external load system, internal cargo winch, roller conveyor fit and large reserves of power, the aircraft can lift a wide variety of complex underslung or internal freight, including vehicles.

“It can carry up to 55 troops or up to approximately 10 tonnes of mixed cargo.”