RNAS Arbroath / HMS Condor / RM Condor Air Base

Military Conversion and Restructuring. The airfield ceased its function as a Royal Naval Air Station when the site was transferred from the Royal Navy to the Royal Marines to become a barracks and training facility.

The site is an active and important military base known as RM Condor. It is the home of 45 Commando, a battalion-sized unit of the Royal Marines. While the original airfield layout, including its four runways and taxiways, is largely intact, it is no longer a licensed or operational airport for fixed-wing aircraft. The airfield surfaces are now primarily used for:

- **Military Training:** Including driver training for various military vehicles.
- **Drill and Parades:** The extensive hardstanding is suitable for large-scale drills.
- **Helicopter Operations:** The site is still used for Royal Navy and Army helicopter exercises and training, taking advantage of the open space, but it does not function as a permanent air base.

The original hangars and many administrative buildings from its time as an air station are still in use as part of the Royal Marines' barracks and facilities.

RNAS Arbroath, commissioned as HMS Condor on 19 June 1940, was a pivotal Fleet Air Arm (FAA) training establishment during and after World War II. Its primary role was to provide shore-based training for naval aviation personnel. Key operations and significance include:

- **WWII Training Hub:** It was one of the most important FAA training stations in the UK. It specialized in training for torpedo bomber crews, including pilots, observers, and telegraphist air gunners. Squadrons flying aircraft like the Fairey Swordfish, Fairey Albacore, and later the Fairey Barracuda were based here for training before deploying to aircraft carriers.
- **Deck Landing Training:** The station was equipped to train Deck Landing Control Officers (DLCOs or 'batsmen'), who were crucial for safely guiding aircraft onto carrier decks. It also provided initial deck landing training for pilots.
- **Aircraft Maintenance Training:** It served as the base for the School of Aircraft Maintenance and the Naval Airman Training School.
- **Post-War Role:** After the war, HMS Condor continued as a major naval air training facility. It hosted various training squadrons and technical schools, adapting to the jet age with aircraft like the de Havilland Sea Vampire and Supermarine Attacker. It remained the Royal Navy's primary aircraft mechanic training school until its transfer.
- **Name Evolution:** The site was known as RNAS Arbroath, with the naval shore establishment name being HMS Condor. This name has been retained in its current designation, RM Condor.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the site as a public or full-time military airport. As the active home of 45 Commando Royal Marines, RM Condor serves a vital, ongoing role for UK Defence. Its function has been permanently converted from an air station to an infantry commando base, and its infrastructure is fully utilized for this purpose.