RAF Lossiemouth will host the brand new facility designed to support the P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The P-8 aircraft, announced as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review last November will replace the UK’s fleet of Nimrod aircraft which were based at RAF Kinloss until they were scrapped.

Boeing chairman Dennis Muilenburg said:

“Boeing is committed to the UK Government’s prosperity agenda and we share the goals of enhanced economic growth that the Prime Minister has set out to us.”

Boeing and the government intend to work together to build a new £100m P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft operational support and training base at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, creating more than 100 new jobs.

Prime Minister at the time of the defence review, David Cameron, said:

“Whatever uncertainties our country faces, I want the message to go out loud and clear: the UK will continue to lead the world in both civil and defence aerospace.

We aren’t just open for investment: we are a place the global aerospace industry wants to do business – as Boeing’s long-term partnership with the UK proves.

It’s also important to put government investment where it counts.

That’s why we are jointly funding the new R&D fund with the aerospace industry and why I’m pleased we have today signed the contract for 9 new P8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Royal Air Force, underlining the UK’s commitment to spending on vital defence.”

Boeing has made clear that it will continue to grow its commercial aviation services business in the UK and will make the UK a base for defence exports to Europe and the Middle East, increasing UK employment, investment and tax revenue.