The UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Typhoon fighters intercepted two Russian aircraft near the country’s airspace.
According to the UK Department of Defence, Typhoon jets deployed from RAF Lossiemouth identified Russia’s Blackjack aircraft in international air space, and escorted them while in the country’s area of interest.
During the mission, the RAF quick reaction alert (QRA) fighter aircraft received air to air refuelling (AAR) support from Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.
RAF Lossiemouth II (AC) Squadron leader Jim Calvert said: "Given the Royal Air Force’s enduring commitment to secure the UK’s skies, yesterday’s sortie once again proved Typhoon’s capability to successfully scramble and intercept Russian long-range aviation.
"Protecting our skies is especially poignant in this 75th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain. Working together with ground-based radar and air-to-air refuelling aircraft today’s RAF continues to come together as a team to protect our country."
In June, two RAF Typhoon jets intercepted two Russian aircraft near the Baltic States as part of the country’s involvement in Nato’s Baltic air policing mission.
The aircraft were intercepted when they tried to approach Baltic airspace without sharing a flight plan.
During this mission, RAF identified Russia’s Il-20M ‘Coot’ A surveillance aircraft and an An-26 ‘Curl’ transport plane.
Nato allies started sending military personnel and aircraft to guard Baltic states’ skies to enhance the protection of the Nato airspace after the Russian annexation of Crimea.
Recently, the UK’s Typhoon detachment deployed to Amari air base in Estonia in support of Nato mission concluded its four month operation.
Image: RAF Typhoon fighters. Photo: courtesy of UK MoD/Crown copyright.
