RAF

RAF's Wedgetail capability doubled as VIII Squadron receives its second ISTAR aircraft

Mike Morton

12th October 2026 at 10:19am

Wedgetail WT002 is being operated by VIII Squadron and features the squadron's badge, an Arabian dagger, on the fin

Known as a jambiya, the dagger is sheathed to symbolise the squadron's guardian duties and represents the unit's historic association with the region

VIII Squadron was relocated to RAF Lossiemouth from RAF Waddington after the retirement of the E-3D Sentry AEW Mk1 in 2021

Aircraft previously flown by VIII Squadron have included the Vincent, Liberator, Hunter FGA9, Shackleton AEW MK 2 and the E-3D Sentry AEW MK 1

The aircraft will be based alongside the RAF's Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at Lossiemouth - that jet is also based on the Boeing 737 — The aircraft will be based alongside the RAF's Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft at Lossiemouth – that jet is also based on the Boeing 737

The RAF's second Wedgetail has flown into RAF Lossiemouth where the aircraft will bolster the RAF's and Nato's continued readiness in the North.

The Wedgetail AEW Mk1 is the Royal Air Force's next-generation airborne early warning and control aircraft.

It's designed to deliver long-range surveillance, battle management and command and control for air and joint operations.

The Wedgetail is built on the Boeing 737-NG platform and is equipped with the Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA).

MESA provides radar coverage to detect and track air and maritime targets over vast distances, while coordinating fighter, tanker and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets in real time.

The RAF says the Wedgetails will enhance interoperability with the UK's Nato partners, while playing a critical role in integrated air and missile defence.

This makes the aircraft a cornerstone of the Armed Forces' future capability to deliver ISTAR – intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.

All images courtesy of the Ministry of Defence