The future of RAF Lossiemouth is secure for the next 30 years, thanks to the arrival of the new Typhoon fighter planes.
This marks a dramatic change in fortunes for the Moray air base, which was threatened with closure less than three years ago. It also secures an estimated £60 million annual input to the region’s economy.
The base’s commanding officer Group Captain Ian Gale made the announcement at a press conference, which was called to give further details of the transfer of the Typhoon jets to Moray.
He said: “Lossiemouth is secure for at least the next 30 years, which is how long the Typhoon is planned to remain in service.”
The aircraft are replacing the Tornados based at RAF Lossiemouth, which were built in the 1970s.
Two squadrons now at the base 12 and 617 will be disbanded next year, the second only temporarily, while Squadron 15 is being transferred elsewhere.
However, they are being replaced by two squadrons moving from RAF Leuchars in Fife. A third squadron will also be formed at Lossiemouth in 2015.
Building work to upgrade the base in preparation for the transfer has already involved £10m being spent, while a further £75m has been set aside.
Gp Cpt Gale predicted that the strength of 2,500 personnel stationed at the base would remain practically static over the period.
The news of the base’s secure future was greeted with delight.
Moray councillor John Cowe said: “It’s great news for Lossiemouth. It’s great for Moray. I was born in Lossiemouth. I grew up under the flight path, watching planes like the Shackelton, Gannet, Lightning and Buccaneer.
“The RAF brings a great deal of business to the region and it also gives a great deal on a personal level.”
The base’s future had been thrown into doubt in October 2010, when the UK Government announced defence budget cuts.