RAF chiefs have launched a legal battle to block a windfarm they fear could put fast jet pilots' lives at risk.
Top military brass at Lossiemouth have lodged paperwork with the Scottish Government over proposed turbines to the south of the Moray base.
Flight bosses believe plans for four new 360 ft turbines at Bodinfinnoch, Keith, will have a significant impact on the detection of aircraft on radar systems.
The Ministry of Defence claims the primary radar system has already been affected by other windfarms in the area and says the new development will cause "unacceptable" further degradation to the system.
Air Traffic Control expert Squadron Leader Michelle Betts said: "The proposed turbines will be in direct line of sight to, and create unacceptable interference with, the air traffic control radar at RAF Lossiemouth."
Turbines show up on RAF radar systems but can be difficult to distinguish from small aircraft. Air Traffic Controllers who get a reading on the radar must treat it as real, causing fast jets to steer five nautical miles clear of the area.
But Reading-based developer Wind Ventures said: "The construction and operation of four turbines would not give rise to any safety or operational concerns in relation to the radar services at RAF Lossiemouth."
Moray Council backed the MoD and urged the government to reject the plan.
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