Constructed by Scottish supplier McLaughlin & Harvey, the Aden Wing will serve as the central hub for the future UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet. The facility provides infrastructure for operations and training as the RAF prepares to introduce the aircraft into service.
Sir Jeremy Quin, President of Boeing UK & Ireland, highlighted the importance of the new building for the programme. He said: “The Aden Wing represents a vital step forward in supporting the RAF’s E-7 Wedgetail programme.”
He added that the facility would play a key role in operational preparations and training. “This facility will be central to the operational success of the fleet and the training of future aircrew,” he said.
The Aden Wing also houses a newly delivered E-7 Wedgetail Operational Flight Trainer supplied by Indra. The simulator is already being used to train the first RAF aircrews ahead of the aircraft’s entry into service.
The introduction of the simulator has also created six new simulator technician roles and strengthened the existing apprenticeship pipeline for technical specialists. Additional support posts and two pilot instructor positions have also been introduced to meet the RAF’s operational needs.
Wing Commander Ben Fletcher, Officer Commanding No 8 Squadron, said the facility marks an important step for the unit. He stated: “It is a real honour to see the naming of the Aden Wing today, as the new home of 8 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth.”
He also explained the background behind the name chosen for the facility. Fletcher said: “The name reflects the Sqn’s operational history, and was chosen from over 1000 suggestions that we received. Today also marks the next step toward delivering the Wedgetail capability for the Royal Air Force.”
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence is currently awaiting delivery of three E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. Their conversion is being carried out at the STS Aviation Services facility in Birmingham, supporting around 190 highly skilled jobs in the country.
These aircraft will replace the Boeing E-3D Sentry airborne early warning aircraft previously withdrawn from RAF service. The E-7 platform is equipped with a Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array sensor providing 360-degree coverage to detect and track airborne, maritime and surface targets.
The system is designed to provide situational awareness of the battlespace for joint and coalition forces, including fighters, bombers and warships. The aircraft type has already been acquired by Australia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye, the United States and the United Kingdom.
More than 40 suppliers based in the United Kingdom are involved in the national E-7 programme. This includes local Scottish companies that contributed to the construction of the new facilities at RAF Lossiemouth.
