Russian Tu-142 Maritime Patrol aircraft that was intercepted by QRA Typhoons 020523 CREDIT RAF — Russian Tu-142 Maritime Patrol aircraft that was intercepted by QRA Typhoons (Picture: RAF).

RAF

RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon jets intercept Russian aircraft north of Scotland

Royal Air Force Typhoons have intercepted a Russian military aircraft operating near UK airspace.

The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) jets were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth on 30 April to intercept a Tu-142 Maritime Patrol aircraft, known by the NATO code name as Bear-F.

The Russian aircraft approached from the north-east, flying in international airspace over the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean.

Alongside the Typhoon jets, a Norwegian F-35A fighter jet was also launched as part of Nato's response – but at no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.

One of the Typhoon pilots that carried out the interception said the scramble "demonstrated the close working relationships we have with our Nato colleagues".

"After scrambling to intercept the Russian aircraft, we were in close contact with RAF Battlespace Managers, who directed us towards the aircraft and relayed orders throughout, ensuring we could confirm where they were and what they were doing at all times," they said.

Air-to-air refuelling was provided by an RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, as well as command and control coming from the National Air and Space Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe and the Air Surveillance and Control System at RAF Boulmer.

QRA Typhoons are launched to intercept unidentified aircraft flying in the UK's area of interest.

This sees QRA RAF aircraft and crews held at continuous high readiness 24/7, allowing them to take off within minutes to protect UK sovereign airspace.