Work will prepare the Moray base for the arrival of 9 P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, the first of which is expected to arrive in the UK in 2020.

The runways upgrade is part of a £400m infrastructure investment to modernise the base.

Russ Liddington, DIO’s Project Manager for the resurfacing works, said: “It’s exciting to be part of the start of a new era for RAF Lossiemouth.

“The improvements to the runways will make them suitable for use by the new Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and continue to enable Typhoon operations which are essential to the UK’s Defence capabilities.

“It represents a significant investment in Scotland and secures the future of RAF Lossiemouth status as a main Operating Base.”

Richard Offord, Managing Director of VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this key contract at RAF Lossiemouth, which will benefit from our significant in-house airfield and infrastructure capabilities.

“We look forward to collaborating with the DIO on these important works, over the coming months.”

It is anticipated that the resurfacing work will be completed by spring 2021.

While work is underway, aircraft and crews will continue to operate from RAF Lossiemouth. There will be a short period of relocation while the runway intersection is completed.