RAF Typhoons Intercept Russian Bombers Approaching UK Airspace

RAF Typhoon monitors a Russian Blackjack long-range bomber (Picture: MoD).

Typhoon fighter jets based at RAF Lossiemouth have scrambled to monitor two Russian bombers approaching UK airspace.

Russian Blackjacks long-range bombers were not talking to air traffic control, making them a hazard to all other aviation, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). 

An MoD statement said the jets were monitored by the RAF and NATO partners as they passed through international airspace, before they were intercepted by the RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoons over the North Sea.

The fighter jets intercepted the bombers over the North Sea between 40 and 100 nautical miles from the coast, according to the RAF.

The Typhoons then escorted the Russian Blackjacks north, out of the UK’s area of interest.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Russian bombers probing UK airspace is another reminder of the very serious military challenge that Russia poses us today.

“We will not hesitate to continually defend our skies from acts of aggression.

"Once again the rapid reactions of our RAF have demonstrated how vital our Armed Forces are in protecting Britain.”

The MoD statement said "at no time did the Russian bombers enter UK sovereign airspace."