UK: First Operational Eurofighter Typhoon Squadron Formed

The first operational Typhoon squadron, No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron, forms today at RAF Cottesmore, in Rutland a day before the Royal Air Force marks its 88th Anniversary. This marks a key milestone in the transition of the Royal Air Force to a more agile, capable, flexible and adaptable expeditionary force, better equipped to meet the demands that are likely to be placed on it in the future.

An event to mark a range of changes, which are traditionally timed to coincide with the anniversary of the RAF's formation on 1 April 1918 will be held at RAF Cottesmore today. In addition to the formation of the first operational Typhoon squadron, which will be based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, other transformation events include the:

• formation of 800 Naval Air Squadron with GR7/9 Harriers at RAF Cottesmore as part of the Joint Force Harrier;
• relocation of No.6 Squadron Jaguars from RAF Coltishall to RAF Coningsby;
• formation of deployable Expeditionary Air Wings that will better support the RAF on deployed operations;
• formation of logistics 'hub' at RAF Wittering; and a communications 'hub' at RAF Leeming for deployable expeditionary force elements;
• rationalisation of HQ Strike Command by closing No 3. Group to reduce overheads; and
• closure of RAF Stafford and RAF Sealand.

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