RAF Jets Scramble To Intercept Russian Bombers

RAF Typhoon fighters have scrambled to intercept two Russian Air Force bombers which were flying near to UK airspace.

The Typhoons first took off from RAF Lossiemouth this morning on a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).

They were later joined by a Voyager refuelling tanker from RAF Brize Norton.

As the Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers flew south, further Typhoons scrambled from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

The Russian aircraft are now flying north again.

A Royal Air Force spokesman said:

"We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby scrambled to monitor two Blackjack bombers while they were in the UK area of interest. At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace."

Quick Reaction Alerts by the RAF are not unusual.

Last year RAF Typhoons intercepted Russian Air Force aircraft on several occasions, once when they flew east over the English Channel before returning.

At no time did the Russian aircraft enter UK airspace.

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