Sonic booms expected as military exercises take place over Lorca

The Town Hall has issued an alert ahead of Air and Space Force drills linked to training out of Albacete Air Base

The Air and Space Force has warned the public about military training flights over the Lorca area that could lead to sonic booms being heard at ground level.

The exercises form part of the Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP), a specialist training course to prepare military pilots for complex operational missions. They will run from June 8 to 19.

The Town Hall has issued an alert ahead of the activity, which will take place on weekdays between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, with no training scheduled at weekends.

As part of the deployment, air defence radar systems will be used alongside support vehicles, including trucks and off-road units, all working together to simulate realistic training conditions on the ground.

The Air and Space Force says the flights are linked to a tactical leadership course based at Albacete Air Base, where international crews regularly train together as part of coordinated exercises.

During the training period, supersonic flight is authorised. While everything is being done to reduce disruption, there is still the possibility that sonic booms may be heard in surrounding areas.

Local authorities and landowners have already been informed, and permission has been granted for the use of affected land during the exercises.

Officials also say environmental rules will be followed throughout, with the area to be kept in good condition while the training takes place.

The Tactical Leadership Programme is one of Europe’s key advanced training exercises, bringing together air crews to practise coordinated missions in realistic conditions.

For more visiting information, local events and news contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.

Image: Lorca Town Hall