The planes were originally developed for the US Navy
The UK government is to buy a new fleet of maritime patrol aircraft to be based at RAF Lossiemouth.
The announcement is expected today as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.
Nine new Boeing P-8 Poseidon will be based in Lossiemouth, replacing the new fleet of Nimrod aircraft, based at RAF Kinloss, which were scrapped in the 2010 review – a decision which drew a great deal of criticism.
The nine new Boeing P8 maritime patrol aircraft will be expected to offer maritime surveillance, anti-submarine and anti-surface ship warfare capability, while also providing maritime search and rescue and surveillance capabilities over land.
The P-8 Poseidon was originally developed for use by the US Navy, was fully introduced in November 2013 and is now also used by the Indian Navy and next year will also be deployed by the Royal Australian Air Force
The aircraft can fly at speeds of up to 560mph, can carry and launch torpedoes, depth charges, SLAM-ER missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons.
Government to base new fleet of maritime patrol planes at RAF Lossiemouth
