THE Ministry of Defence (MoD) has objected to plans for a huge wind farm in Scotland amid fears RAF jets could crash into the turbines.
The plans for Clashindarroch Wind Farm Extension - located in one of Scotland’s most remote communities, the Cabrach - have caused concern for the MoD because pilots at Lossiemouth use the area as a tactical training base.
Defence officials have also suggested the 650ft turbines would interfere with radar and subsequently threaten national security.
The site for the Clashindarroch extension falls within a designated low flying zone for the RAF in the Upper Deveron Valley, which currently allows fixed wing aircrafts to operate as low as 250ft above ground level to conduct low level flight training.
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The development would see 22 new turbines built with a maximum blade tip height of 650ft (196m).
The MOD’s objection states: “Wind turbines have been shown to have detrimental effects on the operation of radar.
“These include the desensitisation of radar in the vicinity of the turbines, and the creation of ‘false’ aircraft returns.
“This would reduce the RAF’s ability to detect and deter aircraft in United Kingdom sovereign airspace, thereby preventing it from effectively performing its primary function of air defence of the United Kingdom.
“The addition of a turbine in this location has the potential to introduce a physical obstruction to low flying aircraft operating in the area.”
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Hawk jets are regularly spotted by locals as well as typhoon and Hercules aircrafts and there are fears the area has reached “saturation point” when it comes to wind energy generation.
Euan Cameron, Saving The Cabrach supporter, said: “As the locals know, the RAF carry out training runs almost every day here. The Cabrach’s valleys allow fighter pilots to practice their tactical air combat manoeuvres and tight turns, within a rare and vitally important designated low flying zone.
“There is no reason why we should start to interfere with such an important and strategic space for our national security efforts in favour of obtuse net zero targets.”
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