Page 4 - RAF Lossiemouth Special Report

Visiting RAF Lossiemouth: The RAF Shapes a Way Ahead

INTRODUCTION

In April and June 2016, there was a chance to visit RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and to talk with the base
commander, and several officers involved with the combat operations and logistical support for the aircraft
operating from the base.

As such, the interviews provide a slice of current activities and preparation for the transition associated with
the evolution of the RAF combat aircraft, including the coming of the P-8.

According to the RAF Lossiemouth website:

RAF Lossiemouth has entered another significant period of its history. The Station remains an important fast jet
main operating base within the Royal Air Force, with both Tornado and Typhoon squadrons based here.

RAF Lossiemouth remains the home to the Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit, XV (Reserve) Squadron,
who train all Pilots and Weapons Systems Operators to operate the Tornado GR4.

During the summer of 2014 two Typhoon squadrons, 6 Squadron and 1 (Fighter) Squadron, relocated to RAF
Lossiemouth. The Station’s third Typhoon squadron, II(Army Co-operation) Squadron relocated from RAF Marham
in early 2015.

As part of the changes, the Station assumed Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North (QRA(I)N) duties from
September 2014. RAF Lossiemouth is now primarily responsible for maintaining QRA(I)N – providing crews and
aircraft at high states of readiness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to police UK airspace and to intercept
unidentified aircraft.

Additional units at RAF Lossiemouth include No 5 Force Protection Wing of the RAF Regiment. 5 Force Protection
Wing includes a regular field squadron, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, and a reserve squadron, 2622 Squadron of
the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment.

FIGURE 1 RAF LOSSIEMOUTH IS LOCATED IN SCOTLAND DIRECTLY FACING THE NORTH SEA

RAF Lossiemouth currently is a Typhoon and Tornado base, but with the Tornados to be phased out within the
next few years, the Typhoons will be joined by the P-8, which will operate as well from Lossie.

Second Line of Defense

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