The US Department of Defense has approved funding to acquire property and develop military construction projects at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.
The United States National Defense Authorization Act 2019, which was signed into law on Monday, allocates over $79,000,000 for US Navy projects in the UK following the decision last year to establish a regular P8-A Poseidon base working to work together with RAF P8-A Poseidon aircraft, the UK has 9 on order.
The P-8 Poseidon basing agreement was signed last year by Harriett Baldwin, under secretary of defense and speaking about the decision she said “The United States is our pre-eminent ally in global defence and collective security. This declaration is further evidence of how our two countries continue to cooperate and build mutual security, particularly in the North Atlantic region. Backed by a rising defense budget and a £178 billion Equipment Plan, the P-8A program will provide us with enhanced surveillance capabilities.”
RAF Lossiemouth is currently home to one of two Royal Air Force Quick Reaction Alert squadrons that provide protection in UK airspace. It will also be home the UK’s P8-A Poseidon aircraft when then enter service in 2020.
Based on the Boeing 737, the P8-A Poseidon is a multi-role aircraft providing anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), along with an early warning self-protection (EWSP).
