RAF Jets Scrambled After Russian Aircraft Approaches UK Airspace
RAF fighter jets were dispatched from Scotland this week after a Russian military aircraft came within close range of UK airspace.
On Thursday, two Typhoon jets from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray were deployed to monitor a Russian Bear-F reconnaissance plane that was detected flying over the North Sea. According to the Ministry of Defence, while the aircraft entered the UK's area of interest, it did not breach UK sovereign airspace.
This latest incident follows a week of heightened naval activity, during which the Royal Navy shadowed Russian military vessels passing through the English Channel.
HMS Iron Duke and tanker RFA Tideforce tracked three Russian vessels, including the newly commissioned Admiral Golovko frigate, accompanied by the oceanographic research ship Yantar and the support tanker Vyazma. The Norwegian Navy initially monitored the ships, before the Royal Navy took over operations.
With support from an RAF P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, the Royal Navy escorted the Russian vessels through the Channel. The mission was later handed off to the French Navy. As the Golovko continued its journey, Iron Duke resumed shadowing the second Russian group, which included the frigate Neustrashimy and its support tanker Akademik Pashin, as they returned to their home port in the Baltic.
Luke Pollard, Minister for the Armed Forces, praised the readiness and professionalism of the Royal Navy and RAF personnel, emphasizing the UK’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its borders.
This marks the second instance in three months that the Royal Navy and RAF have encountered Russian military activity in close proximity, showcasing the ongoing vigilance of the UK’s armed forces.