UK Ministry of Defence,
Two of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world will be based at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss when they come into service, Minister for the Armed forces Adam Ingram announced today.
RAF Lossiemouth will be home for the new Joint Combat Aircraft. It is due to progressively replace the Harrier from around the middle of the next decade. The RAF's new fleet of Nimrod MRA4 will be based at RAF Kinloss when they enter service towards the end of this decade.
Lossiemouth was one of eight stations considered as a possible home for JCA but was identified as the best option after a thorough year-long review. It provides excellent access to training areas, modern facilities and is most cost effective.
RAF Kinloss has a proven track record as a base for the current Nimrod MR2 fleet. A comprehensive study has shown that whilst RAF Waddington and RAF Kinloss would both be suitable operational bases, the substantial financial investment required at RAF Waddington was not justifiable.
Should a second JCA base be required in the future, RAF Marham and RAF Cottesmore have been identified as potential candidates.
Mr Ingram said:
“Together these aircraft illustrate the future for Defence and both RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss can be assured a big role in that future. The Joint Combat Aircraft and new Nimrod are excellent examples of the more capable, flexible, expeditionary armed forces Britain requires to meet the challenges of the future.
