RAF fighter jets were swiftly launched in response to a suspected Russian bomber approaching the UK, recent reports indicate.
Two RAF Typhoons were dispatched from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, accompanied by a Voyager refuelling jet from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, heading towards Shetland.
As per The Telegraph, a Russian warplane, yet to be identified, stayed outside British airspace. The Typhoons eventually returned to base as intercepting the Russian aircraft was unnecessary. Sources mention that this mission of British fighter jets monitoring the Russian plane was part of a broader NATO initiative.
This incident follows a previous interception in 2020 when six Typhoons escorted two Russian Bear-F Tu-142 long-range aircraft approaching the UK. Recent activities have seen Russian warships and submarines nearing UK waters.
The UK, alongside allies, tracked a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines lingering around critical undersea cables in the North Atlantic before they withdrew, as revealed by John Healey earlier this month.
In response to Moscow’s “malign” behavior in waters off the UK’s northern coast, the Defence Secretary confirmed the deployment of a British warship and aircraft.
Healey addressed Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that any attempt to disrupt UK cables or pipelines would not be tolerated and would carry severe consequences.
Recent weeks saw increased Russian activity in the Atlantic north of the UK, prompting a joint response by the UK, Norway, and other allies. Russian submarines, including an Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine and two Gugi research submarines, were closely monitored and deterred by the UK armed forces.
The British operation involved over 500 personnel, with RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft conducting more than 50 sorties to track the submarines, supported by allied countries like Norway.
The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment by The Mirror.
