Next week’s strategic defence review should be used to reinstate Maritime Patrol Aircraft in Scotland, a Fife MP has stated.
Douglas Chapman, a member of the UK Government’s defence committee, has made the call just weeks after reports emerged that the former air base at Leuchars could house a new squadron of the planes.
It is believed the facility, now an army base, could host four Boeing P-8 Poseidons, which would be used to detect Russian submarines in the North Sea.
It follows the publication of a committee report highlighting vulnerabilities in the UK’s border defences.
With the Strategic Defence and Security Review announced next week, Mr Chapman says projects like the renewal of Trident should be sidelined to pay for other priorities.
“It is becoming clear, in the current security climate, that the UK Government must focus more on the most fundamental aspects of our defence in order that our defence and security personnel can respond adequately to all emerging threats.”
The Courier revealed last month that aircraft could return to Leuchars just a year after the last Typhoon jets left to be stationed at RAF Lossiemouth.
It is believed that the Fife airfield could act as a short-term home for the Poseidon fleet, which is expected to be purchased as part of next week’s review.
With Russian military craft operating close to the nation’s territorial boundaries, the ability of the RAF to patrol its own borders has come under increased scrutiny.
The UK has required planes from Nato to scan its waters for submarines since its Nimrod fleet was retired without replacement in 2011.