RAF jets intercept Russian aircraft 'approaching UK area of interest' for second day in a row

RAF jets intercept Russian aircraft ‘approaching UK area of interest’ for second day in a row

RAF Typhoon fighters have been launched against Russian aircraft “approaching the UK area of interest” for the second day in a row.

They were again dispatched from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, with support from a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

An RAF spokesperson said: “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth, supported by a Voyager Tanker from RAF Brize Norton, were scrambled today against aircraft approaching the UK area of interest.”

Earlier, the RAF said no further information would be available until the operation was complete.

They have now confirmed that the aircraft were two Russian Tu-95 Bear F planes, which were intercepted and escorted away from the area.

Reuters news agency had reported that Russian “strategic bombers” were in the air above neutral waters in the northeast Atlantic.

At no time were the Russian jets in UK sovereign airspace.

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The RAF confirmed that yesterday’s incident was to intercept and escort four Russian Bear aircraft.

It said it “routinely” intercepted, identified and escorted Russian aircraft that “transit international airspace within the UK’s area of interest”.

An area of interest includes international airspace for which a nation holds some responsibility, such as air traffic control services.

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