RAF Typhoons intercept Russian bombers north of Scotland
RAF Typhoon jets were launched in the early hours to intercept two Russian long-range maritime patrol bombers north of the Shetland Islands.
The aircraft were launched from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, one of the UK's two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations.
The Russian Tu-142 Bear-F and Tu-142 Bear-J maritime patrol aircraft, used for reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, were monitored by the Typhoons in international airspace as they passed north of the UK on Monday.
"It's really satisfying to know we've been able to make a successful intercept, maintaining the integrity of UK and NATO airspace," the lead RAF Typhoon pilot said.
"When the alarm for a scramble happened in the early hours of the morning, the adrenaline kicked in," the pilot continued.
To extend the operational range of the Typhoons, a Voyager tanker was also dispatched to provide air refuelling capability.
"Working in tandem with ground control operators, and with air-to-air refueling from an RAF Voyager, we were able to stay on task until the mission was complete, and the target aircraft departed the UK’s area of interest," the pilot said.
Recently, RAF pilots stationed at Lossiemouth completed a four-month deployment, leading Nato's air policing mission in Estonia and conducting more than 50 similar intercept missions.
Over the summer, the RAF fighter jets have been scrambled a number of times to intercept Russian aircraft flying close to Nato airspace.
According to the MOD, Russian military aircraft "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".
This can be hazardous to other aircraft flying in UK-controlled international airspace.
"RAF crews at Lossiemouth maintain a constant watch over UK airspace and are always ready to take action at a moment's notice to keep our country safe," Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said.
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