Scotland Scores Big with New RAF Wedgetail Facility
Scottish firm McLaughlin & Harvey Construction has bagged the contract to build a state-of-the-art facility at RAF Lossiemouth. This will house the UK’s cutting-edge E-7 Wedgetail surveillance fleet, set to boost the base’s firepower alongside the existing Poseidon MRA Mk1 squadron.
125 New Jobs and Economic Boost for Scotland
The construction will create 125 local jobs, including seven apprenticeships in engineering and construction. This investment strengthens Scotland’s economy and supply chains, backing the UK Government’s goal to grow better-paid jobs nationwide.
The project is a £83 million subcontract from Boeing Defence UK, awarded by the Ministry of Defence. It includes a new training centre and an Olympic-sized unit where RAF engineers will maintain both Poseidon and Wedgetail aircraft.
Top Brass Praise Strategic Investment
Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, said: “This is another significant investment for Defence in Scotland, creating hundreds of jobs and bolstering the local economy. Scotland has a proud history as home to some of our most critical defence assets, and this investment will enable the new fleet of cutting-edge E-7 aircraft to support that vital capability.”
The E-7 Wedgetail is the world’s most advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform. It provides vital intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance for the RAF.
Air Commodore Alex Hicks, Wedgetail programme lead for the RAF, added: “The construction contract marks a huge step forward. This facility will unlock the full potential of the Wedgetail and offer industrial resilience to the local community and wider Scotland.”
Enhancing RAF Lossiemouth’s Strategic Edge
Capable of simultaneously tracking multiple air and sea targets, the E-7 guides fighter jets and warships with precise intel. It has proven its worth during Australian-led missions against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
The new facility cements RAF Lossiemouth’s reputation as a top-tier, strategically vital airbase with cutting-edge tech.
Lyndon Jones, E-7 Wedgetail Infrastructure Lead at DE&S, said: “We’re proud to hit this milestone, co-locating Wedgetail with the Poseidon fleet to drive efficiency across the board.”
The base will welcome back 8 Squadron after 30 years as they prepare to operate the Wedgetail fleet.
Steve Burnell, Managing Director of Boeing Defence UK, said: “Boeing knows how to deliver complex projects in Scotland. We’re thrilled to work with local suppliers to create and sustain jobs in the region.”
