Page 91 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

For those unfamiliar with Number IX (Bomber) Squadron, we are one of four Typhoon Squadrons based at
RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, North-East Scotland. Like the other three squad- rons we’re tasked with delivering Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North
(QRA(I)N) and supporting the Falkland Islands task (alongside participating in various UK operations and NATO exercises), but we also currently have the remit to provide Aggressor (also known as Red Air) training for the RAF and wider defence, deliv- ering realistic and representative UK Aggressor Combat Air (i.e. playing the bad guys). More recently the Squadron has evolved into a multi-role unit capable of varied and wide-ranging task- ings across all disciplines, although Red Air is still very much our bread and butter and area of expertise.
2022 has seen several high points for IX(B) Squadron (aka ‘the Bats’), cumulating in a much anticipated but somewhat overdue move into newly built technical and domestic accommodation in November. We’ve been operating the Typhoon for nearly four years now at RAF Lossiemouth so finally having our very own headquarters building has been very welcome!
Back in April, a number of our pilots and aircraft participated in air integration training over the Iberian Peninsula as part of Enhanced Vigilance Activity patrols, alongside F-16s from the Portuguese Air Force. The training was also intended to demon- strate the UK’s commitment to the defence of NATO and ability to project airpower over the Atlantic and Western Mediterranean. On arrival into Monte Real the aircraft took part in a Defensive Counter Air exercise involving ten F-16s and Ground Control Intercepts, and the following day provided Red Air along with two other F-16s in support of an Offensive Counter Air Mission. At the end of the sortie the F-16s joined the Typhoons along- side the tanker for some media photos – never ones to miss an Instagram opportunity!
Maintaining QRA(I)N is always the top priority for RAF Lossiemouth. One of our pilots lucked in whilst on duty at the start of the year when the call came for an intercept of two Russian Tu-95 Bear H bombers aircraft approaching the UK area
of interest (this is international airspace for which a nation holds responsibility, such as air traffic control services). Along with his wingman, the Typhoons shadowed the bombers before the Russians finally headed north. The Typhoons completed some Air to Air Refuelling (AAR), and then waited for a second pair of ‘Bears’ to fly through; this time Tu-142 Fs maritime patrol air- craft. After another hour of escort duties the Bear Fs turned back for home and our pair of QRA aircraft returned to base after rack- ing up five hours of operational flying – always good for the log book! {Photograph: TU-95 Bear}
The Russian defence ministry released a video of the event, with footage showing their aircraft taking off from a base in
Inside the F-16 Cockpit
At Monte Real Air Base
Typhoon intercepts Russian TU-95 Bear H Bomber
Two IX(B) Sqn Typhoons alongside two F-16s over the Iberian Peninsular on Air Integration Training
The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars 89
Number IX (Bomber) Squadron