Leuchars reactivated while Poseidons move to Kinloss

The RAF’s initial P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will be delivered to Kinloss in Scotland rather than the type’s main operating base at nearby RAF Lossiemouth, this decision taken to avoid disruption caused by major refurbishment at Lossiemouth. As part of the £400m construction effort, the resident RAF Typhoons will also temporarily relocate to Leuchars in File. The work at Lossiemouth is required to accommodate both the Poseidon and an additional Typhoon unit, the IX (Bomber) Squadron. During the summer of 2019, routine Typhoon flying will briefly operate out of Kinloss and the Quick Reaction Alert North function will temporarily relocate to Leuchars. The first two P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft, that are due to arrive in the UK in February 2020, will be temporarily based at Kinloss before moving to their permanent home at RAF Lossiemouth once the main runway has been refurbished.