Between 27th November and 1st December, military units and other Government agencies in Gibraltar will be involved in the annual exercise known as ‘GIBEX.’

The exercise aims to test and improve the MOD’s ability to act as a Forward Mounting Base. Exercise objectives include the testing of the British Forces Gibraltar’s ability to provide force protection to units transiting Gibraltar, the provision of military support to the civil authorities, and the practical implementation of contingency plans and inter-operability between military and emergency services.

Almost all of the activity, which will include instances of ‘blank firing’ and simulated munitions, will take place on MOD sites but, as part of the exercise, increased numbers of troops and emergency services might be seen at the access gates to MOD installations and may, with the agreement of the Government of Gibraltar, be deployed in public spaces. There will also be an increased presence of emergency vehicles on some of Gibraltar’s roads operating beacons and sirens. The MoD expects there to be minimal inconvenience to the public, who are also asked not to be alarmed by these movements.