UK to extend Typhoon OSD to 2040 and form additional two sqn

[HaveQuick2]

As far as I was aware only one of the new Squadrons was to based at Lossie, with the other one forming at Coningsby. The Typhoon OCU 29(R)Sqn was meant to be moving North to Lossie as well, maybe where you got that both Sqns were forming at Lossie. Mind you that idea has probably changed several times on someones desk in some far off office.

29 Sqn moving to Lossiemouth does not necessarily mean the Typhoon OCU is leaving Coningsby.

[Thunder]

Except that it was mentioned as 29(R) Typhoon OCU would move North.

[RubyRoo]

Will Lossiemouth have space for 1, 2, 6, 29, 120, 201 and potentially another Typhoon squadron?

Strategically, it seems like far too many eggs in one basket, but obviously great for the local enthusiasts.

[Harkins]

Will Lossiemouth have space for 1, 2, 6, 29, 120, 201 and potentially another Typhoon squadron?

Strategically, it seems like far too many eggs in one basket, but obviously great for the local enthusiasts.

That's true, but perhaps not so great for some of the local residents with increased noise. I know this is an enthusiasts view, but I'd quite like the two new squadrons to have been formed at Leeming. I don't live near there, but a bit more spread of the jets is good for enthusiasts (not actually important) and for spreading the noise and maybe even the financial benefits to local communities.

I guess the biggest issue with my suggestion is that as the jets appear to be pooled these days, they probably do need to concentrate them. And these additional squadrons are being formed by donations from existing (shrinking) squadrons aren't they - rather than from new/additional aircraft?

[powerslave]

Leeming would be a great place for two Typhoon sqns.
The place certainly needs it since loosing the F3's.

Ian

[Contrail1958]

The only thing with idea's and what's written in some far off place is certainly NOT the
situation here at Lossie.
Your lucky to see 4 or 6 jets on a BUSY day and they always rotate the same ones each day.
Non flying day's are becoming the norm and sqdn stand downs for being away for long
periods on Det.
Topping all of this ATC have appeared to be chasing away any passing traffic for lack of
fire cover etc.
Who'd be an enthusiast these day's

[Harkins]

Topping all of this ATC have appeared to be chasing away any passing traffic for lack of
fire cover etc.

That's interesting. I had noticed over the last few years that there are increasing numbers of photos being posted of military aircraft using non-military airfields such as Prestwick, Dundee, Newquay, Stansted and East Midlands. Perhaps this is in part because the military bases are often deserted of ATC, firecover etc?

[RubyRoo]

That's true, but perhaps not so great for some of the local residents with increased noise. I know this is an enthusiasts view, but I'd quite like the two new squadrons to have been formed at Leeming. I don't live near there, but a bit more spread of the jets is good for enthusiasts (not actually important) and for spreading the noise and maybe even the financial benefits to local communities.

I guess the biggest issue with my suggestion is that as the jets appear to be pooled these days, they probably do need to concentrate them. And these additional squadrons are being formed by donations from existing (shrinking) squadrons aren't they - rather than from new/additional aircraft?

Leeming would have been a far better choice to stand up any new squadrons (in my opinion). I support the idea of shrinking the defence estate down in times of fewer units, but Leeming has the infrastructure to host a couple of Typhoon squadrons, and strategically it makes far more sense (maybe too much sense to some in the MoD...), to spread the locations of our fighter aircraft around.

The problem as you mentioned is that the Typhoon fleet is now pooled rather than specific aircraft being assigned to their respective squadrons. You have to ask the question, is there really a point in forming any new squadrons? It would be purely for the purpose of fooling the layman into thinking we have more jets than we actually do. Although I love to see units continue their long and distinguished service, it would be disrespectful to bring back a squadron, only to underfund them, understaff them and merely have them as tools to appease the public.

If they're going to form new squadrons, let's do it properly. Tranche 1 aircraft (which some of the aircraft we're now supposedly keeping) can be reassigned to purely air defence duty and based at the relevant airbases, and new aircraft we receive can boost the numbers in the current multi-role squadrons.

I don't mean for this to turn into fantasy aircraft fleets, but to me this seems rather logical:

Lossie:
- 1 Tranche 1 air defence squadron for NQRA. (1.)
- 2 FGR4 multi-role squadrons. (2, 6).

Leeming:
- OCU. (29).
- 1 Tranche 1 squadron to do the Aggressor function. (Is this being done by ASDOT?)

Coningsby:
- 1 Tranche 1 air defence squadron for SQRA. (3.)
- 2 FGR4 multi-role squadrons. (11 and 1 more.)
- OEU. (41).

[gamecock]

but Leeming has the infrastructure to host a couple of Typhoon squadrons

It doesn't. A significant amount of money would have to be spent to bring it up to standard. Then you'd have to increase the amount of manpower, ground equipment, test equipment, spares, tooling etc. and amend the current contracts for all of these to support 3 MOBs plus deployments.

Except that it was mentioned as 29(R) Typhoon OCU would move North.

Where? The only reference I saw was in a DIO document on future infrastructure plans. It looks like DIO were asked to plan/cost the infra changes and it was included in their report as a potential future contract. Were there any announcements from the MOD/RAF on this issue?

[Thunder]

Except that it was mentioned as 29(R) Typhoon OCU would move North.

Where? The only reference I saw was in a DIO document on future infrastructure plans. It looks like DIO were asked to plan/cost the infra changes and it was included in their report as a potential future contract. Were there any announcements from the MOD/RAF on this issue?

That's what I'm referring to.

[Vulcanone]

The RAF has said nothing regarding as to what the new Squadrons will be or when they will form. (if they ever will)?

So best not get too worried about how much space Lossie does, doesn't or will have yet?

[HaveQuick2]

The RAF has said nothing regarding as to what the new Squadrons will be or when they will form. (if they ever will)?

Not quite true. The RAF has said nothing PUBLICALLY regarding as to what the new Squadrons will be....

There has obviously been plenty of talk within the RAF.

If 29 do move to Lossie as a Tranche 1 AD unit, that would allow the recently disbanded Tornado OCU (XV) to reform as the Typhoon OCU. What would the other Tranche 1 AD unit be though? 19? 25? Based where?

Also, will the new Texans take on a squadron number plate?

[Thunder]

Coningsby and Lossiemouth are surely the only two candidates for basing. It would cost far more to bring Leeming up to standards, as opposed to extending existing infrastructure at the two current bases. I wonder if the system they have in the USA for AD would be an option here, where parent fighter units deploy 4 a/c to a another base on a permanent rotation QRA?

[09andrew]

Leeming for 2 squadrons and a contingency plan for sScottish devolution...

[Phoon]

In an ideal world Leeming would seemingly be the ideal basing option as it would fill the 'gap' between Lossiemouth and Coningsby which one one of the reasons the MOD stated the reason it was developed into the third Tornado F3 base in the late 1980s. However since then most of Leeming's accommodation and buildings have been utilized by various ground units, many who moved in with the closure of RAF Sealand, (these originally planed to go to Scampton, but abandoned on cost grounds due to the poor condition of much of that bases infrastructure). Therefore whilst the airfield may be suitable for Typhoon operations (and has supported a handful of detachments in the past) the accommodation and other facilities are not available, unless the Scampton or other basing options are looked at for these ground units then I'd think unlikely. Maybe the rumored future privatization of 100 sdn duties will free up some room?

Additionally it has been suggested that 29(R) sdn may move north, however with all the simulators and associated training facility's located at Coningsby it would make little sense for this to happen. The OCU is likely to reduce anyway as more training is undertaken on the simulator, the current display pilot being a product of a simulator only course. With this route being taken most of the T3s will become largely redundant.

[Unknown74]

I believe No. 12 Sqdn has been announced as a Typhoon Squadron, does anyone know wether this is one of the 2 which has been planned and wether it will be No.12 to Coningsby and the yet to be announced Squadron up to Lossie?

Or is this not the plan now that Fallon has left the MoD?

[slogen51]

2040 that should see me out!

Edit : another 22 years of grey unmarked typhoons - fantastic

[Thunder]

It's already been widely reported that 12 Sqn will form on the Typhoon probably towards the end of this year at Coningsby. 12 Sqn will initially integrate Qatari personnel, including pilots and ground-crew while they work up on the type before they receive their own aircraft in 2022.

It was also reported at the same time that the UK Typhoon fleet was going to expand by three not two extra Sqns, so there is still another two to be announced.

The above was reported after Michael Fallon left office in October, so that isn't a factor in any future plans.

[TonyO]

No guarantee of three squadrons, it will only be possible if the TyTan contract comes up with the necessary savings. Manning will also be another challenge. Two squadrons definitely, three at a push.

[RubyRoo]

So that's 9 and 12 confirmed as 2 out of the 3.

I wonder if we will get the third Typhoon squadron mentioned. Maybe XV?