RAF’s new early warning planes to be based at Lossiemouth
The E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft will join the Poseidon jets which arrived earlier this year.
The RAF’s new fleet of surveillance aircraft will be based at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, the UK Government has said.
The E-7 Wedgetail planes are due to arrive in 2023, replacing the existing E-3D Sentry as the RAF’s early warning aircraft.
Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said the Wedgetail fleet would bolster Scotland’s role in UK and Nato defence, working alongside the Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft which began to arrive in October.
Both jets are based on the Boeing 737 and the Ministry of Defence says they will benefit from the recent improvements made to the runway at Lossiemouth.
“Defence’s latest decision to base the E-7 Wedgetail at RAF Lossiemouth demonstrates our commitment to investing in Scotland and will complement and expand upon the success of Typhoon fast jet and submarine-hunting Poseidon operations.”
Already used by the Royal Australian Air Force, the E-7 Wedgetail is able to track multiple targets in the air and on the ground using the advanced radar array it carries.
It will be operated by the RAF’s 8 Squadron, who are returning to Lossiemouth after 30 years.
“Indeed, this firm is also building the new shipbuilding hall for the Type 31 frigate programme at Rosyth in Fife, demonstrating just one of the many ways that UK defence benefits Scottish business.
“The arrival of the Wedgetail capability in Scotland will provide clear additional security and economic benefits to Scotland.”
