A SECOND Hawk T2 Squadron is to form at RAF Valley to provide advanced fast jet training for Royal Air Force and Royal Navy pilots.

The No 25 (Fighter) Squadron is to re-form at the Anglesey air base.

The move has been prompted by the increased demand for fast jet pilots on the front line to fly the Typhoon and Lightning.

The number of Typhoon squadrons was given a boost on Tuesday with the reformation of the 12 Squadron at RAF Coningsby.

It followed an announcement that IX(B) Squadron will stand up on Typhoon at RAF Lossiemouth next year.

Meanwhile at RAF Marham, 617 Squadron continues to work on the Lightning.

“I am delighted that No. 25 Squadron is returning to fly the Hawk T2. These are exciting times for the Military Flying Training System and the addition of this new squadron will see the continued delivery of high quality, efficient and effective flying training to meet the requirements of the front line.” Said Air Vice-Marshal Warren James, Air Officer Commanding No 22 Group

At RAF Valley Wing Commander Tim Simmons will be the re-formed Squadron commander.

He said: “It is a great honour to be the first Officer Commanding of the re-formed No.25 (Fighter) Squadron here at RAF Valley.

"The Squadron first formed at RAF Montrose in Scotland on September 25, 1915 and served with distinction throughout WW1 and WW2.

"No.25(F) Squadron then conducted Air Defence operations with a series of early jet aircraft types, followed by the Bloodhound Surface to Air Missile and, latterly, the Tornado F3, before being disbanded on April, 4, 2008."

The squadron is expected to reform by the end of the year.