New surveillance aircraft arrives at RAF Lossiemouth

The first of a fleet of new surveillance aircraft to be stationed at RAF Lossiemouth has arrived at the Moray base.

The RAF said the Wedgetail was equipped with technology to provide early warnings and other information during combat situations.

The aircraft and crew are to carry out a "test and evaluation phase" at Lossiemouth.

Two more Wedgetails are to be part of the fleet, and they will operate with Typhoon jets and Poseidon submarine-hunter aircraft at the air station.

It was announced in 2020 that the new fleet of surveillance aircraft would be based at RAF Lossiemouth.

The Wedgetail is described as the RAF's "next-generation airborne early warning and control" aircraft.

On arrival at the Lossiemouth base, the aircraft was met by the station commander, Gp Capt Sarah Brewin.

She said: "We are delighted to welcome the arrival of the first Wedgetail aircraft to RAF Lossiemouth to continue its test and evaluation phase.

"This marks a significant step in delivering the Royal Air Force's next generation of airborne surveillance and control capabilities that will support the defence of the UK for the years to come.

"RAF Lossiemouth has been working hard to get ready to operate these aircraft, and we are looking forward very much to this next exciting chapter in the station's history when the aircraft enters RAF service."