RAF Typhoons Scrambled To Intercept Russian Aircraft

Royal Air Force Typhoons based in Scotland have intercepted Russian aircraft flying in the UK's area of interest, the RAF has said.

The Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth to monitor the two Tu-142 ‘Bear-F’ Maritime Patrol aircraft.

The Russian jets entered international airspace over the Norwegian and North Seas on Tuesday morning, after approaching from the north east.

The RAF said at no point did the aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff, said:  “These Russian bombers are relics of the Cold War, [they] do not comply with international air traffic regulations and are a hazard to civilian and military aircraft."

The Typhoons were supported by an RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, with communication and radar support coming from the National Air and Space Operations Centre in High Wycombe.

Norwegian Quick Reaction Alert aircraft were also launched.

A NATO E-3A Airborne Early Warning aircraft, which was operating west of the Shetland Islands, was re-tasked to support the mission.

Cover image: The Russian aircraft did not enter UK airspace (Picture: RAF).