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Scots airbase 'safe until 2050' | Scots airbase 'safe until 2050' |
(1 day later) | |
The future of RAF Leuchars, in Fife, has been secured for the next 40 years, the base commander has said. | The future of RAF Leuchars, in Fife, has been secured for the next 40 years, the base commander has said. |
Air Commodore Clive Bairsto, also said up to £100m would be invested there over the next decade. | Air Commodore Clive Bairsto, also said up to £100m would be invested there over the next decade. |
RAF Leuchars, along with Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, will accommodate the RAF's new Eurofighter, which will start to replace the Tornado in 2010. | RAF Leuchars, along with Coningsby, in Lincolnshire, will accommodate the RAF's new Eurofighter, which will start to replace the Tornado in 2010. |
It would secure the jobs of about 1,500 air force personnel at the base as well as 200 civilian staff and contractors. | It would secure the jobs of about 1,500 air force personnel at the base as well as 200 civilian staff and contractors. |
Air Commodore Bairsto said three squadrons, each containing 16-18 pilots, would be moving to Fife. | Air Commodore Bairsto said three squadrons, each containing 16-18 pilots, would be moving to Fife. |
Leuchars, he added, would continue to operate as a fighter base up to 2050. | Leuchars, he added, would continue to operate as a fighter base up to 2050. |
About £80-£100m is to be spent on rebuilding the station for the new aircraft. | About £80-£100m is to be spent on rebuilding the station for the new aircraft. |
The Typhoon was also described as being "much quieter" during take-off and landing than the Tornado, which is scheduled to go out of service in March 2011. | The Typhoon was also described as being "much quieter" during take-off and landing than the Tornado, which is scheduled to go out of service in March 2011. |
The Ministry of Defence said one squadron at RAF Leuchars would go as a result of the changes, with the loss of 80 jobs. | The Ministry of Defence said one squadron at RAF Leuchars would go as a result of the changes, with the loss of 80 jobs. |
The RAF said it hoped the cuts could be achieved through redeployment. |
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