Scots squadron grounded in RAF merger

Published on 05/02/2008 21:10

A SCOTTISH-BASED RAF training squadron is to be axed, with the loss of 80 jobs.

The 43(F) and 56(R) squadrons of Tornado fighter jets – both stationed at RAF Leuchars in Fife – will be merged as the Ministry of Defence's fleet is replaced with the Typhoon Eurofighter aircraft.

However, the decision will ensure that 43 Fighter Squadron, one of only two RAF squadrons founded in Scotland and still in active frontline service, will continue as an operational unit.

RAF Leuchars is currently home to two Tornado jet fighter squadrons – 43(F) and 111(F) – and a training squadron, 56(R).

Known as the "Fighting Cocks", the 43(F) will be merged with the scrapped 56(R) training squadron on 22 April.

The MoD said 80 service jobs at the base would be redeployed elsewhere within the RAF due to the amalgamation, and there would be no civilian redundancies.

An MoD spokesman added: "The reason for the merger is the reduced requirement to train new aircrew for the Tornado, as many of them are now being trained for the new RAF fast jet, Typhoon."

Bob Ainsworth, the armed forces minister, said the plan "will not reduce the output or capability of the overall air defence force".

The MoD is investing 5 billion in its new fleet of 144 Typhoons, which have a maximum speed of mach 2.0 – twice the speed of sound – and can accelerate from standing to take-off in less than seven seconds. The first Typhoons went on active service at RAF Coningsby in July.

Sir Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrat MP for Fife North East, said: "As Typhoons come on stream, it is inevitable that there will be structural changes involving the Tornado F3."

&#149 Controversial plans to sell the UK government's helicopter maintenance facility to a Canadian firm for 17 million were confirmed yesterday.

Union leaders last night warned of possible strike action over the deal to offload the Defence Aviation Repair Agency at Almondbank, Perth, to Vector Aerospace.

Baroness Taylor, the defence minister, claimed the sale would guarantee the future of the site and its 350 staff.

But Ian Waddell, national officer for the Unite union, said: "Our members are bitterly disappointed."