top of page

International Poseidon Operators Convene at RAF Lossiemouth



The JEDI Symposium began on 18 January with the international participants arriving at RAF Lossiemouth and ended on 23 January. Throughout the week, attendees participated in briefings to align on their joint initiatives and priorities, and to share information enabling the more than 40 Poseidon aircraft from these five countries operating across Europe to function as a 'single fleet'.

“Despite some differences in procedures at a tactical level, the crews were able to operate effectively thanks to common aircraft, mission systems, and weapons,” said RASF Poseidon Instructor.


The Poseidon aircraft is mainly used for maritime surveillance, consistently monitoring the waters around the UK for threats both above and below the surface, while also aiding the Royal Navy in safeguarding the UK. It can also be deployed for search and rescue missions. On 16 January 2025, the Royal Air Force confirmed that a P-8A Poseidon from RAF Lossiemouth was involved in tracking a Russian landing ship, the RFN Aleksandr Shabalin, through the English Channel. The RAF and Royal Navy continue to monitor the situation as the ship remains in the area.

“Maritime patrol is a team game, requiring close cooperation with allies and NATO partners to ensure a coherent response to any threats we may face. This is why the JEDI Symposium is such an important event, allowing operators from the five nations to exchange ideas and build bonds, both professionally and socially. RAF Lossiemouth is the ideal location, due to its strategic position on the northern approaches to the UK, and close to the entrance to the Baltic Sea.” added Squadron Leader Barber, Executive Officer, 120 Squadron

Each of the five nations participating in JEDI currently, or will in the near future, operate the Poseidon aircraft across Europe. RAF Lossiemouth is currently home to nine Poseidon aircraft and a regular host to international partners looking to conduct exercises in the North Sea or receive training from the RAF. In 2024, a US Naval Support Facility was opened on the station to provide a permanent hub for the US forces returning to RAF Lossiemouth.

The Trinity House Agreement was signed in October 2024, allowing Germans to regularly operate their own Poseidon aircraft, following procurement, out of the Scottish airbase. No. 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, based out of RAF Lossiemouth, has continued their training of Norwegian maritime patrol crews throughout the year with aircrew from the Royal Canadian Air Force aircrew training with the squadron as Canada begins its transition to the Poseidon.

This has been the third JEDI Symposium since January 2024 and was deemed a huge success by all participating personnel. RAF Lossiemouth will continue to support NATO operations and work closely with its allies.

टिप्पणियां


Archive

bottom of page