20 septembre 2014
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19 September 2014 Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth have launched the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) for the first time since the Moray base took on the role of defending the UK’s Northern airspace. Typhoon jets were scrambled to identify aircraft in international airspace. The aircraft identified as Russian military ‘Bears’, did not enter UK airspace.
RAF Lossiemouth’s Station Commander, Group Captain Mark Chappell, said:
“This first successful launch for QRA North has been what all of the hard work by RAF Leuchars and RAF Lossiemouth personnel over recent months has been for.
“The relocation of two Typhoon squadrons was a significant challenge, one that was met by our whole team. The many months of preparation and infrastructure improvements have made us absolutely ready for this launch, and shows we are in the best position to provide the service to the United Kingdom that the Royal Air Force was primarily created for – that is, the protection of our airspace.”
Royal Air Force Lossiemouth began a new era in its history on the 1st of September when it assumed the provision of what the RAF calls the ‘Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) North’ task for the United Kingdom.
The role is carried out by crews from 6 Squadron. The pilot of the first launch said:
“It was an honour to be part of what is a milestone in the history of RAF Lossiemouth. With the move of Quick Reaction Alert from Leuchars to Lossiemouth, it has been a huge ask of many personnel. The fact that we had a flawless scramble and intercept of two Russian Bears was a testament to the hard work and commitment of all personnel involved.
“A very proud moment, not just for the pilots who did the intercept but the engineering crews who did a fantastic job, as well as many other station personnel involved in this constant commitment.”
8 septembre 2014
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Two 6 Squadron Typhoon jets at RAF Leuchars [Picture: Senior Aircraftman Matt Baker, UK MoD]
8 September 2014 Ministry of Defence
Number 1 (Fighter) Squadron marks relocation with a special 8-ship formation in the shape of a number 1.
Relocating from RAF Leuchars in Fife, Scotland, to RAF Lossiemouth, Typhoon aircraft of 1 (Fighter) Squadron will now provide quick reaction alert (QRA) cover alongside the Typhoons of 6 Squadron for the north of the UK. Quick reaction alert for the south will be based at RAF Coningsby.
Air Officer Scotland and station commander at RAF Leuchars, Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew, said:
As the Typhoon aircraft and personnel of 1 (Fighter) Squadron begin their timely relocation to RAF Lossiemouth, it is fitting for us to pause and celebrate over 100 years of outstanding military aviation history at RAF Leuchars.
From its humble beginnings as a balloon station, Leuchars grew throughout the Second World War and beyond to become one of the United Kingdom’s foremost air defence stations. It’s exemplary record as the home of northern QRA stands as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our people.
Speaking about the future of his squadron, officer commanding 1 (Fighter) Squadron, Wing Commander Mark Flewin, said:
The relocation of an entire fast-jet squadron is a phenomenal achievement and it is testament to the commitment, flexibility and capability of all personnel involved that it was carried out so successfully.
1 (Fighter) Squadron is delighted to have arrived at RAF Lossiemouth and now looks forward to continuing its quick reaction alert duties alongside 6 Squadron.
As for the future of RAF Leuchars, it will now focus on becoming home to army units the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, 2 Close Support Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and 110 Provost Company of the Royal Military Police in 2015.
Brigadier Paul Harkness, Commander 51st Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, said of the army’s move to Leuchars:
We are delighted to have such a good location for 3 of our units relocating from Germany. We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to be part of the local community and look forward to maintaining the good relationship which the RAF has enjoyed.
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