AN RAF patrol aircraft is performing looping missions over the South Ayrshire skies.

The Poseidon MRA1, is a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, equipped with sensors and weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare, as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions, was tracked flying over the area doing several loops off the coast of Troon all the way to New Cumnock at 3,600 ft. 

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The GURNY03 labelled flight comes off the back of Nato Formidable Shield, a four day military exercise which took place off the west of Scotland between May 17 to 20.

It is understood that the flight took off at 14.36 from Prestwick.

A separate Poseidon flight, GURNY02, was spotted earlier today over the area.

The UK's Poseidon fleet is currently stationed at Lossiemouth, in the North East of Scotland.

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