RAF's Second Submarine Hunter Aircraft Arrives In Scotland

The second of the Royal Air Force's nine new maritime patrol aircraft has arrived in Scotland.

The P-8A Poseidon, named 'City of Elgin', landed at Kinloss Barracks on Friday morning where it will remain until RAF Lossiemouth's £460 million upgrade is complete.

The submarine hunter will fill the role left by the Nimrod which was retired in 2010. 

It will be equipped with sensors and weapons systems designed for anti-submarine warfare, and will also carry out surveillance and search and rescue missions, according to the RAF.

The RAF's official P-8A Poseidon Twitter page said it was "exciting times". 

Based on the Boeing 737-800 airliner, the contract to develop the P-8A for the US military was granted in 2004.

The US Navy began operating the P-8A in 2013 and variations of the aircraft are in service with the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.

The fleet of nine P-8A Poseidon aircraft will cost the UK £3 billion.

The RAF's first P-8A arrived at Kinloss Barracks last month. 

Cover Image: The City of Elgin touches down at Kinloss Barracks (Picture: MOD).