Poseidon instructors from RAF Lossiemouth’s 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron have begun training Royal Canadian Air Force maritime crews to operate the Poseidon.
This is in preparation for the Royal Canadian Air Force receiving their first Poseidon MRA1 (P-8A). For several months, RAF personnel have welcomed aircrew from the Royal Canadian Air Force to share their skills and experience working with the Poseidon aircraft.
On Monday the 10th of December, the four Canadian personnel undertook their first flights with the P-8A after several months of training at RAF Lossiemouth. This is the first flying phase of the Royal Canadian Air Force's integration into the UK Poseidon force.
These training flights allowed the Canadian aircrew to understand the role of maritime protection in keeping the UK’s seas and skies secure, as well as gaining experience of the technical aspects of the P-8A aircraft. Flights took them across the UK, leading to an increased presence of the Poseidon aircraft in areas where they are not often seen, particularly around England.
The partnership with the RAF is an important part of the Royal Canadian Air Force transition plan to convert from our current maritime patrol platform, the CP-140M Aurora, to the P-8A Poseidon. 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 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.
Captain Darren Kirk
Royal Canadian Air Force
RAF Lossiemouth is currently home to three Poseidon Squadrons, whose presence allows for strengthened maritime protection across the UK’s areas of interest.
This specific training opportunity is only one of various collaborations with overseas personnel that RAF Lossiemouth has undertaken this year to strengthen the force’s maritime presence. In October, it was announced that German Poseidons will be operating out of RAF Lossiemouth to enhance Europe’s maritime security. Additionally, routine training of Norwegian Poseidon crews has been completed at Lossiemouth with crews also aiming to complete their training on the 42 (TB) Squadron conversion course in 2025. Earlier in the year the station also announced the opening of a US Navy hangar, allowing the US Navy to operate in the North Sea more frequently.
Following the successful completion of the course, the Royal Canadian Air Force personnel will join the RAF Poseidon frontline squadrons to continue the collaboration and gain further Operational experience.
