RAF Lossiemouth boost as Moray to host German planes
German surveillance aircraft will be based at RAF Lossiemouth as part of a major defence deal.
The submarine-hunting planes will fly from Scotland, patrolling the North Atlantic as the allies respond to the growing threat from Russia.
The move, part of the new Trinity House Agreement between the UK and Germany, will see P8 aircraft periodically operate out of Lossiemouth to help protect the North Atlantic.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Defence said German P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft will "periodically" operate out of RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, potentially armed with UK-supplied torpedoes, helping to secure the North Atlantic.
In response to the potential threat from Russian activity at sea, the allies will also work together to protect underwater cables.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius will sign the deal today (Wednesday 23 October).
The agreement is set to boost the economy, investment, and jobs, while tackling Russian aggression in Europe.
Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross said: “This major defence pact reiterates the importance of RAF Lossiemouth to the defences of the UK and that of our partners and allies.
“With the threat from Russia ever-increasing, it is crucial that the UK can work closely with other major European nations to monitor any activity from them.
“We have seen the world-class teams at RAF Lossiemouth respond to threats with moments notice before and I have no doubt this would happen again if such a situation would occur.
“There was significant investment at the base from the previous UK Government which is so vital for Moray. I hope that will continue under the UK Labour government, given its importance to the security of our nation and that of our allies.”
Also included are plans for a new artillery gun barrel factory to be opened in the UK, supporting more than 400 jobs and nearly half a billion-pounds boost to the British economy.
The opening of the Rheinmetall factory will see the UK manufacture artillery gun barrels for the first time in 10 years, using British steel produced by Sheffield Forgemasters.
The deal will see the UK and Germany work together systemically for years to come on a range of ground-breaking defence projects and air, land, sea, space and cyber.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: "The Trinity House Agreement is a milestone moment in our relationship with Germany, and a major strengthening of Europe's security.
"It secures unprecedented levels of new co-operation with the German armed forces and industry, bringing benefits to our shared security and prosperity, protecting our shared values and boosting our defence industrial bases.
"This landmark agreement delivers on the Government's manifesto commitment to strike a new defence relationship with Germany - less than four months since winning the election in July - and we will build on this new co-operation in the months and years ahead.
"I pay tribute to our negotiating teams who have worked hard at pace to deliver this."