New typhoon squadron to be reformed at Leuchars to cover northern Britain

More typhoon jets are to be stationed at RAF Leuchars despite the air base facing closure.

No 1 Squadron, which was disbanded last year, will reform at Leuchars as a typhoon squadron.

The squadron will join the existing typhoon force on quick reaction duties, protecting the airspace in northern Britain.

There had been plans for three typhoon squadrons at RAF Leuchars despite the announcement being made last summer that the Fife air base is to close.

Squadron leader Charlie Matthews said: “With another squadron here activity will intensify. We are really looking forward to working with the services on the station and also making sure we have the support of the community which is really crucial to us delivering our mission at Leuchars.”

Typhoons are due to start leaving the Fife facility next year to make way for the army by 2015.

It is planned that Leuchars will house thousands of troops returning home from their deployment in Germany.

The annual RAF Leuchars airshow, which features the famous Red Arrows, is set for September 15 this year. It is also to take place as normal next year.

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