Tri-Service
RAF Typhoons Scrambled To Intercept Russian Bombers
Picture: An RAF Typhoon intercepts a Russian Tu-160 last year
RAF jets have been scrambled to intercept Russian bombers heading towards British airspace.
Two supersonic Russian Tu-160 'Blackjack' aircraft were escorted south across the North Sea by UK Typhoons dispatched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
The bombers had strayed into the UK's "area of interest," but not UK airspace.
An RAF Typhoon
It is believed the aircraft were with the Long Range Aviation branch of the Russian military. They have never penetrated UK airspace.
RAF jets have been scrambled more than 50 times over the last six years to intercept Russian military aircraft.
The UK's airspace covers a 12-mile radius out from the coastline.
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