RAF Lossiemouth is to come the base for a new fleet of maritime patrol to help bolster Britain’s national security.
Prime Minister David Cameron announced the move yesterday as a part of a strategic defence review – and military experts have already hailed the move as a vital measure in protecting the country from attack.
It is believed that installing the fleet at the Moray airfield will cost billions of pounds, which will cover the cost of the P-8 Poseidon planes and creating the infrastructure to house them.
The Ministry of Defence said 200 additional personnel would be on-site at Lossiemouth by 2020, with that number rising to 400 over the following years.
Analysts said the decision would plug the defence gaps created when Nimrod surveillance jets based at the former RAF Kinloss air base were scrapped in 2010.
At least three of the nine new Boeing P-8 aircraft are expected to take up residence at Lossiemouth by 2020.
The prime minister said the planes would protect the UK’s nuclear deterrent, hunt down hostile submarines and enhance maritime search and rescue operations.
Last night, the last station commander at RAF Kinloss, JJ Johnston, applauded the “very positive” decision.
Mr Johnston said: “We should appreciate the fact the UK Government has recognised the gap in the UK defence fleet.
“As the last Nimrod force commander, my assessment is the need for that capability has not changed since 2010 – the threat never went away.”
Moray MP Angus Robertson said: “I have long argued that the removal of maritime patrol capability was a ridiculous decision and the announcement that nine P-8 aircraft are to be purchased and based in Moray is long overdue.
“Lossiemouth is one of the busiest air bases in the UK, and has a wealth of expertise.
“The loss of the Nimrod was a blow for the RAF, a blow for the community in Moray and a blow for our local economy.
“The reversal of the government’s previous decision is welcome for both protection of our vital maritime assets and for Moray communities.”
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead added: “With this U-turn by the UK Government it seems that hard lessons have been learned.
“While it is too late for the loss of RAF personnel from Kinloss it is good news that we are getting maritime patrol capability back to a Moray base.”
Moray Council leader Stewart Cree said that in times of increasing global turmoil, the return of surveillance aircraft was particularly satisfying.
Mr Cree said: “I’m delighted to hear that the military presence in Moray is to be strengthened.
“We argued and campaigned vociferously against the closure of RAF Kinloss, and were deeply disappointed when the decision to scrap the Nimrod fleet was announced.
“In the changing global situation the re-establishment of a maritime surveillance and patrol facility here on the Moray coastline makes perfect sense.”
And Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart added: “With the new Typhoons based at RAF Lossiemouth and now the new maritime aircraft there, I think we can assume that this base will be safe for years to come.”
The P-8 Poseidon was originally developed for use by the US Navy and was introduced in November 2013.
The planes are now used by the Indian Navy and will be deployed by the Royal Australian Air Force next year.