RAF's submarine hunter fleet complete with arrival of ninth P-8A Poseidon
The Royal Air Force's new submarine-hunting aircraft fleet is now complete with the arrival of a ninth P-8A Poseidon jet.
It means the RAF has a full maritime patrol fleet for the first time since the Nimrod, which was retired in 2010.
The latest aircraft touched down at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, on Tuesday morning after taking off from the United States.
In a tweet, the base shared photos of the new aircraft and said: "What a great way to start 2022!!"
Based on the Boeing 737-800 airliner, the P-8A Poseidon is equipped with sensors and weapons systems designed for anti-submarine warfare.
The first of the RAF's nine Poseidon aircraft – Pride of Moray – arrived in Scotland almost two years ago.
RAF Lossiemouth has undergone improvements costing £360m in total ahead of the arrival of the fleet, including a major upgrade to the airfield and the construction of a new facility.
The Poseidon aircraft are also capable of carrying out surveillance and search and rescue missions, as well as helping to protect and patrol UK waters.
The Ministry of Defence has spent £3bn on the fleet.
Watch: The first P-8A Poseidon arrived at Kinloss Barracks in February 2020.
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