Two of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world will be based at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss when they come into service, Minister for the Armed forces Adam Ingram announced today.

RAF Lossiemouth will be home for the new Joint Combat Aircraft. It is due to progressively replace the Harrier from around the middle of the next decade. The RAF's new fleet of Nimrod MRA4 will be based at RAF Kinloss when they enter service towards the end of this decade.

Lossiemouth was one of eight stations considered as a possible home for JCA but was identified as the best option after a thorough year-long review. It provides excellent access to training areas, modern facilities and is most cost effective.

RAF Kinloss has a proven track record as a base for the current Nimrod MR2 fleet. A comprehensive study has shown that whilst RAF Waddington and RAF Kinloss would both be suitable operational bases, the substantial financial investment required at RAF Waddington was not justifiable.

Should a second JCA base be required in the future, RAF Marham and RAF Cottesmore have been identified as potential candidates.

Mr Ingram said:

"Together these aircraft illustrate the future for Defence and both RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss can be assured a big role in that future. The Joint Combat Aircraft and new Nimrod are excellent examples of the more capable, flexible, expeditionary armed forces Britain requires to meet the challenges of the future.

"It was important to get such a critical decision right, and a thorough study into the basing options was essential. I know the year long review has caused some uncertainty for all the bases involved but after such careful consideration I am confident this is the right decision for defence."

Although the decision to discount RAF St Mawgan as a JCA option means there is no long term Strike Command use for the airfield, other defence uses will be considered. However, the decision allows Cornwall County Council to continue to plan for the long term future of Newquay Cornwall Airport (NCA). Discussions between MoD and DfT continue to ensure a smooth hand over of NCA to civilian authorities.