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THE DEFENCE AIRFIELD REVIEW

An initial study of the overall defence requirements for airfields in the UK has indicated that the Department has more airfields than it will require.

As announced by Ministers in July 2020, we have, therefore, decided to conduct a full review of our requirements. This will take the form of drawing up a series of business cases that will consider operational effectiveness and be supported by investment appraisals. The review will seek to quantify holdings, identify surplus estate and exploit opportunities for a joint approach to the support of current and future military aviation requirements.

This review may impact on many of our airfields, although we have also made it clear that the future of RAF Coningsby and RAF Leuchars as Typhoon bases is not in question. This is because RAF Coningsby and RAF Leuchars are already established as the Quick Reaction Alert (Interceptor) (QRA(I)) bases as their relative locations provide the optimum geographic coverage. This will remain the case after Typhoon is introduced.

The airfield review will be carried out in an open manner and the team will consult fully with local authorities and, where appropriate, trades unions. The study will be undertaken as a rolling programme of work over the next 2 years. It is expected to have a significant impact on RAF basing.

To date the components of the study that have been announced are:

Joint Combat Aircraft basing

As announced by Ministers in October 2020, our current assumption is that JCA will require two bases. Seven stations are currently under consideration (RAF Kinloss, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF St Mawgan, RAF Cottesmore, RAF Wittering, and RNAS Yeovilton), although it is possible that changes to the JCA technical requirements or assumptions regarding other stations may cause this list to be changed in the future.

Nimrod MRA4 basing

As announced by Ministers in October 2020, RAF Kinloss and RAF Waddington are being considered as the potential base for the Nimrod MRA4 when it comes into service towards the middle of the next decade. RAF Kinloss is one option as the majority of the infrastructure requirements for the MRA4 is already in place and is currently being used for Nimrod MR2 operations. RAF Waddington has been selected as the other option as it would mean the MRA4 would be co-located with other Intelligence Surveillance Targeting and Reconnaissance assets such as the Sentry and Nimrod R1.

University Air Squadrons

As announced by Ministers in September 2020, a review is underway to determine the appropriate size, shape and disposition of University Air Squadrons (UAS). It will include a study of the form and function of the UAS, both in the context of the RAF's engagement with Universities and undergraduates, and as the provider of RAF Elementary Flying Training. The flying training is undertaken at 15 separate airfields across the UK. As Air Cadet Air Experience Flights areembedded within the UAS any proposed changes to UAS flying would need to take account of the effect on the Air Cadet Organisation's Air Experience needs.

The review will be completed in March 2020. No decisions will be made until the review is completed and consultation has taken place on any proposals that emerge.

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