Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) personnel have begun training with the Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A) aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth as part of preparations for Canada’s transition to the Poseidon maritime patrol platform, according to a press release from the Royal Air Force.
The training, conducted by RAF Lossiemouth’s 42 Squadron, is designed to familiarise Canadian aircrew with the Poseidon’s advanced systems and operations. This collaboration supports the RCAF’s integration of the Poseidon, which will replace the CP-140M Aurora in Canada’s maritime patrol fleet.
On 10th December, four RCAF personnel undertook their first flights in the Poseidon following months of theoretical and practical training at RAF Lossiemouth. These initial flights allowed the Canadian aircrew to gain experience in maritime protection roles, as well as technical insights into the aircraft.
Captain Darren Kirk of the RCAF highlighted the value of the training:
“It was great to experience the first flight after months of training. The instruction received at 42 Torpedo Bomber Squadron has been excellent. The instructors are invested in the students and enable us to achieve our highest potential.”
The training flights also included routes across the UK, increasing the visibility of Poseidon operations in regions where the aircraft are less frequently seen, particularly in England.
RAF Lossiemouth, home to three Poseidon squadrons, plays a key role in bolstering the UK’s maritime protection capabilities. This training initiative builds on RAF Lossiemouth’s collaborations with other international partners.
Earlier this year, German Poseidon crews began operating out of RAF Lossiemouth to enhance European maritime security. Norwegian Poseidon aircrew completed routine training at the base, with plans for further integration in 2025. The station also opened a US Navy hangar earlier in the year, enabling increased North Sea operations by US Poseidon aircraft.
Following their training, the RCAF personnel will join RAF Poseidon frontline squadrons to gain further operational experience. This partnership represents a key element of the RCAF’s transition plan, as noted by Captain Kirk:
“The RAF support is key to our rapid and safe transition from one aircraft to another. The training and operational exposure will allow us to incorporate best practices and apply lessons learned.”
It is wonderful to see the P8 T26 project coming together.
The fact that pretty much all of NATO has something as good as P8 replacing various platforms of dubious efficacy and having a large enough platform mass to fund spiral upgrades.
I’ll be even happier when I see some T26 from either UK/CAN /AUS in the water as that is a decent sized fleet. Shame the AUS order has been cut as countering the combined Chinese/Russian sub threat is going to be the big new thing and I’m assuming Putin has given NK sub tech so maybe mix them in too…
I really shouldn’t laugh and it is by no way meant as an insult to the individual concerned but as soon as I ready the next to last paragraph I couldn’t help but chuckle at the reference to ‘Captain Kirk’ and I am sure everyone knows where my mind went. Well, those of us who aren’t youngsters Lisa.