RAF scrambles Typhoon jets to ‘Russian bomber’ over the North Sea in ‘quick reaction alert’
THE RAF today scrambled Typhoon jets to reports of Russian aircraft flying over the North Sea.
The aircraft were first detected by Nato and monitored and intercepted by Norwegian Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).
The interception was handed over to the RAF, who then scrambled out of the Lossiemouth base near Moray.
According to Mil Radar's Twitter page, a Russian aircraft had been spotted over the North Sea - but was quickly "shadowed by RAF QRA Typhoons".
It said: "Russian aircraft now over the North Sea heading south shadowed by RAF QRA Typhoons with RAF Voyager support.
"Royal Air Force QRA Typhoons launched from Lossiemouth."
One of the Royal Air Force QRA pilots involved in today's mission said: "Crews here in Scotland are on standby 24/7 to scramble against any potential threats to the UK.
"On this occasion we were informed by our Nato colleagues of two suspected Russian aircraft approaching our area of interest.
"We were scrambled and intercepted two Russian Tu-142 Bear-F operating near the UK, remaining on task to dissuade them from operating in the area.
"We are committed to maintaining the integrity of UK and Nato airspace, every minute of every day."
The scrambling of jets is not uncommon, with the RAF primed and ready to intercept any unrecognised aircraft at all times.
In March last year, RAF Typhoons were scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft flying near Scotland three times in the same week.
Two jets were launched from RAF Lossiemouth following reports of two Russian Blackjacks travelling north of Stornoway.
They set off as part of the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert programme.
The Russian Tupolev Tu-160 aircraft are used as supersonic strategic bombers and long-range maritime patrol planes.
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They were designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the Soviet Union in the 1970s and are the largest and heaviest Mach 2+ supersonic military aircraft ever built.
The incident last March came just a day after four RAF fighter jets were scrambled to intercept Russian bombers as they tried to enter British airspace.
At the time, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, chief of the air staff, said: "These Russian bombers do not comply with international air traffic rules, are a hazard to airliners and are not welcome in our airspace."
