RAF Scrambled For Third Time In Seven Days To Monitor Russian Jets

Russian Blackjack aircraft approaching UK airspace (Picture: MOD).

For the third time in a seven days, RAF aircraft have been scrambled to monitor Russia jets.

On Wednesday, Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth to monitor two Russian bombers approaching UK airspace.

Two Russian Blackjack Tupolev Tu-160long-range bombers flew in international airspace off the UK's east coast before returning north.

At no point did the Russian aircraft enter British airspace.

In an incident last Friday, an RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton joined Typhoons to respond to Russian aircraft.

The Russian Blackjacks travelled through a variety of international airspace before they were intercepted over the North Sea, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said.

There was also an incident last Wednesday which did not require Typhoons to intercept.

Armed Forces Minister, Mark Lancaster, said: "Our Armed Forces are trained and deployed around the world to ensure they are ready to keep the UK safe from any potential threat.

"Yet again, the RAF have proven that they can respond at speed to Russian activity over the North Sea."