Work to prepare RAF Lossiemouth for its new role in the frontline of protecting the UK from airborne attacks will undergo one final test next month before going live.
The preparations for the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties being taken over by the Moray base from RAF Leuchars were being inspected this week by Air Vice Marshal Stuart Atha.
The officer commanding 1 Group inspected building work that will eventually be home for engineers and aircrew tasked with the 24-hour defence of UK airspace. That responsibility will be taken on by the Typhoons of 6 Squadron, who deployed to the base last month.
With the squadron due to take over the QRA role from September a final test of their capabilities and that of the station will be undertaken in the form of ‘Exercise Moray Guardian’ in August.
A RAF Lossiemouth spokesman said: “Since moving to the station in June the squadron has been busily engaged with preparing for this important role.”
The base station commander Group Captain Mark Chappell added: “The next few weeks promise to be an incredibly busy time for the station.
“I am certain however, that it is a challenge that we will rise to with the trademark professionalism I have come to expect from all Lossiemouth personnel.”