US returns to Lossiemouth as NATO strengthens maritime security in North Atlantic

For the first time since the Cold War, the US is deploying its P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft to the Lossiemouth airbase in northeast Scotland, responding to heightened concerns over Russian activities in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

The UK Ministry of Defence announced the significant event emphasizing the close cooperation between the British and US armed forces, Caliber.Az reports referring to British media.

"The presence of naval patrol aircraft at Lossiemouth allows our forces to provide maritime security, strengthening UK and NATO defences."

The Ministry further clarified that a major modernization project, costing £350 million ($440 million) and spanning six years, has recently been completed at Lossiemouth. However, the deployment of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon does not equate to a permanent US base at the location.

Historically, during the Cold War, the Lossiemouth airbase was a key asset in patrolling the coasts of the UK and Iceland, crucial for monitoring Soviet submarines — some of which were nuclear-armed — approaching the US. The US maintained a significant presence in Scotland for nearly three decades, with its bases at Holy Loch (closed in 1992), Mahrihanish (1995), and Edzell (1997) being gradually shut down.

The US announced its return to Lossiemouth in May 2023. This followed an October agreement between Britain and Germany to enhance defence cooperation, which included the stationing of German Poseidon P-8s at Lossiemouth. British reconnaissance aircraft have been operating from the base since 2020.

According to the US Navy, the base will play a vital role in improving the readiness, deployability, and interoperability of allied forces, supporting operations across the North Atlantic and within the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

By Tamilla Hasanova