DEFENCE Secretary Gavin Williamson has said a new £132 million submarine-hunting aircraft base is “integral” to defending the UK from the increasing threat from Russia.

He spoke as he cut the first turf for the new home for the Poseidon marine patrol aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.

Due to be completed in 2020, it will house nine Poseidon planes which carry missiles able to destroy submarines.

Their key role is to protect the Trident nuclear deterrent and the two new aircraft carriers and they will also be used to gather intelligence and carry out search and rescue missions.

The new facility will include a tactical operations centre, operational conversion unit, accommodation, training and simulation centre and an aircraft hangar.

Mr Williamson said: “With Poseidon going to be arriving here from 2020, this is going to be absolutely integral in terms of our national security, in terms of dealing with the increasing threat that we’re seeing from Russia.”