UK to stand up final Typhoon squadron

The fifth Typhoon squadron will stand up at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland on the 9th of January.

Number 2 Squadron joins Squadrons 1 and 6 already operating at RAF Lossiemouth.

It had previously been announced in 2013 that the squadron would begin converting to the Typhoon in early 2015 after operating with the Tornado GR4 for an extra year reportedly due to the relatively limited ground attack capabilities of the Typhoons in the campaign against Islamic State.

According to IHS Janes, an RAF representative had this to say:

“This decision ensures the long history and name of No II (AC) Squadron continues far into the RAF’s future,” said the spokesman. “The Tornado squadron currently bearing that number plate will stand up with the dormant number plate of 12 (Bomber) Squadron with effect from 9 January 2015. The changes of name will take place whilst current personnel are at RAF Marham and are not engaged in operations.”