RAF Typhoons intercept two Russian bombers near UK airspace

RAF Typhoons scramble to intercept two long-range Russian bombers over North Sea to keep them away from UK airspace

  • The fighter jets were deployed from an RAF base in Lossiemouth, northern Scotland to intercept the bombers
  • A refuelling tank, The Voyager was also deployed from the RAF station Brize Norton in Oxfordshire
  • It is the second time in a week the RAF have identified Russian aircraft heading towards UK airspace
  • Gavin Williamson said: ‘Our brave RAF pilots have shown again that we are ready to respond to any threat’
  • e-mail

43

View
comments

Royal Air Force Typhoons have been scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers approaching UK airspace.

The fighter jets were sent from a base in northern Scotland at midday on Friday to monitor the two Russian Blackjacks.

A refuelling tanker called The Voyager was also deployed from an RAF station in Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, according to Sky News.


Two Russian bombers (one pictured) were intercepted by RAF Typhoons on Friday afternoon as they headed towards UK airspace 


It is the second time in a week the RAF has identified Russian aircraft in UK airspace. The fighter jets successfully escorted the Blackjacks away yesterday

The RAF said it worked closely with its NATO partners to monitor the Blackjacks as they flew over international airspace. 

The Typhoons successfully intercepted the Blackjacks over the North Sea and escorted them from UK airspace after leaving their base at RAF Lossiemouth.

It is the second time this week the RAF has investigated the presence of Russian planes.

The Ministry of Defence said: ‘The RAF routinely identify, intercept and escort Russian aircraft that transit international airspace within proximity to the UK’s area of interest and continue to be on call every day. 


Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: ‘Our brave RAF pilots have shown again that we are ready to respond to any threat to the UK’ (stock image of Typhoon)

  • Bravery behind the bombs: Unseen photos reveal how RAF men… Arrivederci to a hero: 74 years after Mussolini’s men downed… Easy rider! US airman relaxes at the controls of Strike…

Share this article


The Typhoons intercepted the two Blackjacks over the North Sea and escorted them from UK airspace after leaving their base at RAF Lossiemouth

‘This is the second time this week RAF aircraft have taken to the air to investigate Russian activity, following a similar incident on Wednesday evening, but on that occasion an intercept by the Typhoons was not necessary.’

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: ‘Our brave RAF pilots have shown again that we are ready to respond to any threat to the UK. 

‘Alongside our NATO allies, we must remain vigilant and aware of Russian military activity.’

Typhoon FGR4 

Length: 52ft 4in

Wingspan: 36ft 4in

Maximum speed: Mach 1.8

Maximum altitude: 55,000ft

Armament: Internal 27mm cannon, air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs

Crew: One 

Russian Tu-160 Blackjack 

Length: 54.1m

Wingspan: 35.6 m swept, 55.7 m spread

Maximum speed:  Mach 2.05

Maximum altitude: 51,000ft

Armament: 12 cruise missiles or up to 24 short-range missiles

Crew: Four

Source: Read Full Article