RAF Valley could be Red Arrows’ new home
RAF Valley, on Anglesey, is being tipped as a possible new home for the Red Arrows amid news of the closure of RAF Scampton in 2022.
The MoD has confirmed the base near Lincoln will shut because the investment needed there would be better spent improving the RAF’s existing core sites. Scampton could instead be developed for housing in future.
One RAF expert believes that Lincolnshire’s other RAF bases are too busy to accommodate the crack aerobatic team, and even suggested RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire as a more suitable station.
Meanwhile, RAF Valley is being touted as another contender.
Albert Owen, MP for Anglesey, where the base is located, said: “I recently saw the fantastic Red Arrows’ display at the Armed Forces Day in Llandudno, and understand the link with training at RAF Valley. Indeed, there is a strong association with the Valley base.”
Mr Owen said Anglesey’s RAF base has an “excellent relationship with the island community and beyond”.
“It is a major employer of military and civilian personnel,” he added.
“Valley has over recent years seen investment when other bases have been reduced or closed, and it is the centre of excellence for fast-jet training, currently the T2. It is also a major rescue training centre.
“If the historic Red Arrows was to extend its association with Valley, it would bring added prestige to an already respected location. I am uncertain of the logistics but I am certain it would be welcomed by many.”
The move is part of a plan to create more modern and efficient military bases with a view to saving taxpayers £140 million by the end of the decade, rising to £3 billion by the end of 2040. Talks have begun with the Civil Aviation Authority about moving the training airspace currently above RAF Scampton, which would enable the Red Arrows to move to a suitable alternative location.
Former RAF navigator Ian Joynson-Crosby suggested on Twitter that RAF Valley would be the most obvious choice for the Red Arrows’ new home.
He wrote: “RAF Valley. Already geared up for fast jets. It is also where the reds go for flight sim training anyway. Be sad to see Scampton go, mind.”
Military journalist Gabriele Molinelli said on Twitter: “I’m betting on Leeming as new Red Arrows home.”
A military design engineer on Twitter using the handle @cohnee seemed to agree, saying: “I guess the Red Arrows will go to Leeming with 100 Sqn?”
And aviation fan Chris Lawless made the same suggestion.
Speaking on Twitter, he said: “Sad news on the Closure of RAF Scampton and its proud history with the 617Sqn History associated with it and also the current home of the RAF Red Arrows Display Team. Wonder if they may relocate to Leeming.”