Thank you for finding this page.  I hope that you find the information about Leeming on this page helpful and interesting.  You can also access the frequency database for Leeming by clicking here or by going back to the main Leeming homepage.  All this leaves me to say is a big thank you to 'S' who supplied this brilliant info and fantastic images, thanks mate.

The Royal Air Force makes a vital contribution to the fulfillment of British security policy offering flexibility, mobility, combat power and utility across the full spectrum of conflict.

RAF Leeming is part of the United Kingdom Air Defence Network. An established defensive force to oppose any airborne threat to the United Kingdom. 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, there are a sufficient number of Tornado F3 Air Defence Fighter (ADV) aircraft capable of being airborne within minutes, to respond to any threat. The Tornado F3 aircraft is equipped for air-to-air combat, both at close range, and at long range using its weaponry. Its comprehensive electronic countermeasures suite aid its own self defence. RAF Leeming contribute aircraft to this defensive force, taken from the two operational Air Squadron's currently based on the Station. No. XI(F) Squadron and also No. 25(F) Squadron both have 12 operational Tornado F3 aircraft. That means that RAF Leeming alone, has 24 aircraft ready to respond to any occurrence in the sky's above us.

No. XI(F) Squadron occupy 6 Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS's) situated near the threshold of RWY16. This enables the Tornado's to be airborne very quickly, should the need arise. No. 25(F) Squadron also occupy their own 6 HAS's but are situated nearer the main apron and hangers of the base.

A usual sight at RAF Leeming, are the 13 Hawk T1/1A's lined up along the main apron outside Hanger 3. They are devoted to No. 100 Squadron and are utilised in the Targeting Facilities role. No. 100 Squadron operates anywhere within the United Kingdom, providing a tug facility, to tow target training aircraft. The Hawk's are two-seater training aircraft, but can be fully equipped with air-to-air weaponry if needed.

Another air squadron at RAF Leeming is No. 11 Air Experience Flight (AEF). The AEF is run by the Northumbria University Air Squadron. The AEF up until recently used to operate 8 Scottish Aviation Bulldog T1's, in a primary/elementary training role. The Bulldogs have now been replaced by 8 of the new Grob Tutor T1's. Unlike the Bulldog's, the Tutor's are not owned by the RAF. They are owned and maintained by Bombardier, a civilian contractor. The aircraft will carry civilian registrations, and by serviced under a Private Finance Initiative. This new approach will save the Ministry of Defence an estimated £30 million over the life of the 10 year contract. At some airfields (not RAF Leeming), Bombardier will also provide essential flying support services such as air traffic control and fire/crash cover.

Other Squadrons at RAF Leeming include the Air Defence Support Squadron, an Royal Auxillary Air Force unit. The Station also has a Mountain Rescue Team consisting of 5 permanent staff and about 20 volunteers from around the Station.

Finally, Leeming is also the home of two other high-readiness units with both national and NATO commitments - No. 34 Squadron RAF Regiment and No. 2 RAF Tactical Survive To Operate HQ.