RAF Typhoons Intercept Russian Aircraft Over North Sea

Live-armed Royal Air Force Typhoons have scrambled for the third time in six days, intercepting Russian aircraft over the North Sea.

Flown by pilots from RAF Lossiemouth, the fighter jets launched from Leuchars Station, in Fife, where they are temporarily deployed while Lossiemouth is resurfaced.

The Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were assisted by an RAF Voyager from Brize Norton and a retasked NATO E-3A Sentry Airborne Early Warning aircraft.

Two Russian Tu-142 Bear F Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Patrol aircraft were intercepted.

The Typhoons monitored the Tu-142s while they were in an area of interest, but at no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

As a precaution the Typhoons shadowed the Russian Tu-142s closely, monitoring their movements and reporting them back to RAF Boulmer.

Air Officer Commanding 11 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Ian Duguid, said: "For the third time inside a week, the RAF has scrambled to defend the interests of the UK and NATO.

"It’s a sign of our continued resolve to work effectively with our NATO partners at all times and demonstrates the efficiency and resilience of our personnel, aircraft and systems.

"The whole process has its roots in the Battle of Britain system perfected by Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding in 1940.

"Eighty years on, it remains as relevant as ever."

Fast jets from several of the UK’s NATO allies also launched their Quick Reaction Alert assets to assist in keeping tabs on the Russian Bears, including French, Danish and Norwegian planes.

Cover image: A Russian Tu-142 Bear being shadowed (Picture: RAF).