Reports Of Russian Submarine Spotted Of Scottish Coast

Claims the RAF were forced to borrow a French submarine hunting spy plane have surfaced.

After the UK scrapped its own maritime patrol capability, the RAF reportedly called on their NATO allies to search the seas off Scotland for a suspected Russian submarine.

The Royal Navy Frigate HMS Sutherland, now the most advanced ship in the fleet, was also thought to be involved in searching for the sub alongside Canadian and French maritime patrol aircraft. Questioned on the development the Ministry of Defence responded by saying: 

"Allied maritime patrol aircraft based at RAF Lossiemouth for a limited period are conducting activity with the Royal Navy. We do not discuss the detail of maritime operations."

Nine new P8-Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) are set to be purchased, replacing the capability lost when Nimrods were axed in the last SDSR.

With NATO warning of a rising trend of Russian submarine patrols, the need for the UK to have an MPA capability is becoming paramount.

The UK's own submarine fleet is based at HM Naval Base Clyde with the Faslane site set for a £500 million refurbishment. Home to the latest of the Royal Navy's nuclear-powered boats, including HMS Artful it is once again in focus amidst the Strategic Defence Review. 

More: #SDSR2015: The Facts

Forces TV's Tim Cooper is in Scotland and reports from Faslane:

More: Maritime Reconnaissance: Hunting Subs In The 21st Century

"Russian Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Chirkov noted that President Putin views submarines as a critical means in regenerating Russian strategic influence." - Joint Air Power Competence Centre