RAF

Typhoons Scramble To Intercept Russian Supersonic Bombers

RAF Typhoon jets have again been scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft.

The Typhoons flew out of RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland to intercept two Russian 'Blackjack' aircraft which were flying in international airspace.

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Blackjacks were first flown in 1989, with only 16 in service. They can carry 12 short-range nuclear missiles or 40,000kg of conventional ordinance.

A Ministry of Defence statement said that British pilots escorted them while in the UK's 'area of interest'. It read:

"RAF Quick Reaction Alert fighter aircraft scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland yesterday to meet two Russian aircraft. The Typhoon pilots visually identified the two Russian aircraft and escorted them whilst in the UK area of interest."

Squadron Leader Jim Calvert of II(AC) Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, flew one of the RAF Typhoons involved in the mission. He said:

"Given the Royal Air Force’s enduring commitment to secure the UK’s skies, yesterday’s sortie once again proved Typhoon’s capability to successfully scramble and intercept Russian long-range aviation.

"Protecting our skies is especially poignant in this 75th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain.

"Working together with ground-based radar and air-to-air refuelling aircraft today’s RAF continues to come together as a team to protect our country."

The Typhoon is the world’s most advanced swing-role combat aircraft, providing simultaneously deployable Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface capabilities.