This is why a huge £160m military plane will be flying over the skies of Leeds

The A400M Atlas aircraft will be spotted around Leeds Bradford Airport this morning whilst engaged "in essential training", according to RAF Brize Norton.

The training is necessary and routine and is not connected with RAF support to the UK's fight against Coronavirus, it was confirmed.

It will also be operating in the vicinity of Newcastle.

The full social media post from RAF Brize Norton said: "This morning, our A400M aircraft will be operating in the vicinity of the Newcastle and Leeds Bradford, whilst engaged in essential training.

"These are necessary, routine, flights and not connected with RAF support to the UK's fight against Coronavirus."

The aircraft has a unit cost of almost £160m.

The UK has 20 of the aircraft, with at least another 22 on order.

It is primarily a transport transport aircraft, which is capable of aerial refuelling and medical evacuation.

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