Residents across parts of England reported hearing a loud sonic boom on Friday afternoon as Royal Air Force Typhoon jets were scrambled to intercept a civilian aircraft that had entered restricted airspace.
The incident occurred shortly after midday, with military aircraft responding rapidly to the potential threat. Eyewitnesses described hearing an "enormous bang" that rattled windows and caused momentary alarm.
Swift Military Response
According to defence sources, the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) force was activated when the unidentified civilian plane failed to respond to air traffic control communications. The Typhoon jets were launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to investigate.
"The aircraft was intercepted and escorted out of the restricted area without further incident," a Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed. "Standard procedures were followed throughout the operation."
Public Reaction and Investigations
The sonic boom - caused when aircraft break the sound barrier - was heard across several counties, prompting numerous calls to local authorities and police forces. Social media quickly filled with reports and speculation about the cause of the loud noise.
Aviation experts have emphasised that such interceptions, while rare, are part of normal security protocols. "This shows our air defence systems are working as they should," commented one former RAF pilot. "The sonic boom is an unavoidable consequence of responding quickly to potential threats."
The Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into why the civilian aircraft entered restricted airspace and failed to respond to communications. The identity of the plane and its occupants has not been disclosed.
