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RAF Lossiemouth
THE STATION
RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, north-east Scotland is one of two RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations which protect UK airspace (RAF Coningsby being the other). It’s the base for three Typhoon combat aircraft squadrons and a RAF Regiment squadron.
Aircraft and crews are maintained on high alert in order to scramble and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace.
RAF Lossiemouth personnel and aircraft also support operations worldwide and host numerous national and international exercises.
Commander
Group Captain Jim Walls DSO MA (Hons) RAF
Group Captain Walls joined the RAF in 1996, completing his flying training in 2001.
He has flown Jaguar and Typhoon aircraft both as an instructor and operationally. Group Captain Walls has held roles in the Typhoon Development Programme, and was Officer Commanding 6 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth for two years to November 2016. He assumed command of RAF Lossiemouth in September 2017.
ADDRESS
RAF Lossiemouth, Lossiemouth, Moray, IV31 6SD.
RAF Lossiemouth news
KEY DATES
- 1939 - Station opened as a RAF training base with 15 Flying Training School as the first unit.
- 1946 - Became HMS Fulmar as part of the Fleet Air Arm.
- 1972 - Reverted to RAF control and becomes RAF Lossiemouth once again.
- 2014 - Assumed the Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North role protecting UK airspace
HISTORY
RAF Lossiemouth opened in May 1939, with the first flying unit being 15 Flying Training Squadron. The first Station Commander was Group Captain P E Maitland MVO AFC RAF.
Following the outbreak of World War Two and the increase in tempo, 20 Operational Training Unit became the major unit on base, utilising satellite airfields at Bogs O’Mayne, Milltown and Brackla.
In 1946 the Fleet Air Arm took over Lossiemouth and Milltown (HMS Fulmar).
With the Defence Review of 1966 the Navy lost its aircraft carriers and in 1972 handed back the Station to the RAF.
Since the early 1970s the RAF used the Buccaneer, Shackelton, Jaguar and Tornado aircraft, both in training roles and operationally at Lossiemouth.
The Station has been involved in many modern conflicts, including both Gulf conflicts and Afghanistan. In addition, the RAF Regiment is deployed regularly from Lossiemouth.
Between June 2011 and March 2014 14 Squadron, 12(Bomber) Squadron and 617 Squadron ‘The Dambusters’ were disbanded. The Tornado era ended at RAF Lossiemouth in March 2017 when XV(Reserve) Squadron disbanded.
In 2013/14, 1(Fighter) Squadron and 6 Squadron relocated to Moray from RAF Leuchars as the Station prepared to become a Typhoon main operating base.
II(Army Co-operation) Squadron ‘stood-up’ and relocated to RAF Lossiemouth in January 2015. D Flight, 202 Squadron, Search And Rescue disbanded in April 2015. The Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 announced the future basing of P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth.
From September 2014 RAF Lossiemouth’s primary role has been the provision of Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North. QRA maintains aircraft and crews on high alert in order to scramble and intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace. This is a duty that has been maintained by the RAF on a 24/7 basis for decades.
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