Russia Denies Its Bombers Flew Too Close To Britain

The Russian defence ministry insist that two Tupolev Tu-95 'Bear' bombers which approached UK airspace yesterday did nothing wrong.

Speaking on behalf of the Kemlin, Major General Igor Konashenkov said "Our aircraft operated in absolute compliance with international rules and did not violate anything."

"They simply call it intercept while we just call it escort."

Two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were launched from RAF Lossiemouth to confront the bombers, the same airbase Russian military inspectors visited on Monday under the terms of a European Arms Control treaty. 

An A330 Voyager aircraft was also sent from RAF Brize Norton to provide the jets with air to air refuelling. 

The two turbo-prop Tupolev Tu-95 'Bear' bombers, which turned back once intercepted, had earlier been trailed by fighters from the Norwegian Air Force.

This latest confrontation came as three Russian warships made their way through the English Channel, monitored by HMS Argyll.

With NATO's Joint Warrior exercise currently underway off the coast of Scotland further such encounters are likely in the coming days. 

Earlier this week it was revealed a Russian fighter jet had flown dangerously close to a US surveillance aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

Take a look below at our Interactive Factfile of the Typhoon