The RAF’s most recently formed squadron has taken delivery of the latest state-of-the-art Typhoon jet.
The 100th Typhoon jet delivered to No 1 (Fighter) Squadron at RAF Leuchars
The unit, No 1 (Fighter) Squadron, which was reformed just 4 months ago at RAF Leuchars in Scotland, is now home to the 100th Typhoon to enter service.
Officer Commanding No 1 (Fighter) Squadron, Wing Commander Mark Flewin, said:
There can be no better example of the strides we are taking with regard to growing the Typhoon Force than the stand-up of 1 (Fighter) Squadron – we reformed as a Typhoon unit in September last year – and it is fantastic to have taken delivery of this brand new, milestone aircraft.”
The RAF continues to move towards a combined fleet of Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter jets, two of the world’s most modern and capable multi-role combat aircraft. The Joint Strike Fighter is a fifth-generation stealth aircraft which represents a step-change in the UK’s combat air capability.
Typhoon is already delivering air defence for the UK and the Falkland Islands, and its ground attack capabilities were instrumental to allied operations over Libya.
There is a pleasing correlation for us in operating the RAF’s 100th operational Typhoon on 1 (Fighter) Squadron, during this our centenary year, the squadron having been originally formed back in 1912.”
The squadron has already begun autonomous operations, and is supporting the Quick Reaction Alert mission here at Leuchars.”
I have no doubt that this aircraft will be put to good use in supporting the standing task in addition to a busy exercise programme in 2013.”
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The MOD is to spend a total of £18 billion on combat aircraft over the next 10 years which includes continuing investment in Typhoon to bring the latest Tranche 2 and 3 aircraft fully into service.
The 100th Typhoon takes off from RAF Leuchars [Picture: Senior Aircraftman Matt Baker, Crown Copyright/MOD 2013]
Further investment to develop and further enhance the aircraft’s multi-role and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance surveillance capabilities is a priority for the future.
This latest delivery comes after the MOD signed a £25 million contract with Raytheon in December for more Paveway IV precision weapons for the RAF.
These weapons are to be carried by Tornados in Afghanistan and will also provide a key capability to be carried by the Typhoon and Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) aircraft. The contract will sustain around 450 jobs at Raytheon UK’s plants: 300 at Glenrothes in Scotland and 150 in Harlow, Essex.
