News Releases

Boeing Joins 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron Celebrations With His Majesty King Charles III

  • The Royal Air Force (RAF) Squadron officially assembled during a ceremonial parade at RAF Lossiemouth, the home of the UK’s P-8 Poseidon and future E-7 Wedgetail.
  • Boeing teammates will support the Operational Conversion Unit, assisting with the training of aircrew and engineers.

RAF LOSSIEMOUTH, Scotland, August, 13, 2025  — Boeing teammates dedicated to training aircrew and engineers supported the stand up parade of 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, the Operational Conversion Unit for the P-8 Poseidon and future E-7 Wedgetail, alongside His Majesty King Charles III.

Reformed in September 2023 at RAF Lossiemouth, the Squadron is a joint unit comprising RAF, Boeing, and subcontractors, who work collaboratively to train current and future personnel of the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft based on site.

“Boeing currently has over 200 teammates supporting the UK’s nine P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming more as the E-7 Wedgetail enters service,” said Steve Burnell, managing director of Boeing Defence UK.

“We take pride in training the crews that will operate and support these critical aircraft, which are essential to UK national security and the protection of our seas and skies. The formal stand up of the Squadron marks a significant milestone for the RAF and our Boeing Scotland teammates who are integrated with their counterparts at the base.”

Established in 1916, 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron has a rich history, having served in both World Wars. It was disbanded between 1919 and 1936 and transitioned to a maritime surveillance unit in 1952.

The stand up parade is a cherished tradition that celebrates the Squadron's history and underscores the royal endorsement of its mission.

About Boeing in the United Kingdom

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing has a UK workforce of over 4,000 people, including career starters, veterans and reserves across the country and is the largest supply chain base outside the United States, with £15.1 billion spent since 2015 across a network of over 950 domestic suppliers. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on X @BoeingUK.

Contacts

Georgina Ramin
Boeing UK & Ireland Defence Communications Specialist
+44 (0) 7552 254770
georgina.ramin@boeing.com