Plane sailing for Scotland’s new maritime aircraft patrol base

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson performs the cutting of the sod during a visit to RAF Lossiemouth in Moray where he launched construction of a new £132 million strategic facility to house maritime patrol aircraft. The first of the new Poseidon planes will arrive at the Moray base in 2020.

The Defence Secretary has said a new £132 million submarine-hunting aircraft facility is “integral” to defending the UK from the increasing threat from Russia.

Gavin Williamson cut the first turf for the new home for the Poseidon marine patrol aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

Due to be completed in 2020, it will house nine Poseidon planes which carry missiles able to destroy submarines.

Their key role is to protect the Trident nuclear deterrent and the two new aircraft carriers. They will also gather intelligience and carry out search and rescue missions.

The new facility will include a tactical operations centre, operational conversion unit, accommodation, training and simulation centre and an aircraft hangar.