RAF Typhoons Scrambled To Monitor Russian Aircraft In UK Controlled Air Space

Royal Air Force Typhoons have been scrambled to intercept and monitor a Russian aircraft flying in UK-controlled airspace.

A pair of Russian TU-142 'Bear-F' Maritime Reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft were tracked by NATO as they transited within the alliance's northern air policing area.

The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, and were joined by an RAF Voyager to provide air-to-air refueling. 

As they continued to fly towards UK airspace, RAF Typhoons were launched. 

Intercepting the two Russian aircraft over the North Sea, the RAF Typhoons remained nearby to monitor the aircraft within the UK-controlled Flight Information Region – the UK's controlled zone of international airspace.

Russian military aircraft entering the UK Flight Information Region can pose a hazard to other air users as they often do not talk to air traffic control or 'squawk' – broadcasting a code ensuring they are visible to other air users and air traffic controllers on the ground. 

Once the incident concluded, the Typhoons and Voyager returned to their base and have returned to a state of readiness.

It comes after QRA Typhoons were also scrambled in response to Russian aircraft which flew into NATO airspace over the Black Sea, heading towards Romanian airspace.

It is the eighth time 121 Expeditionary Air Wing jets have been scrambled since they began their role on the NATO enhanced air policing mission in May.

Cover image: Russian TU-142 ‘Bear-F’ Maritime Reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft that was tracked through UK controlled airspace by Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon jets (Picture: RAF).