In a dramatic response to a potential incursion, Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled from a Scottish airbase on Thursday to intercept two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers.
The high-speed aircraft launched from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray after the unidentified aircraft were detected heading towards the UK's Area of Interest over the North Sea. The RAF's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) force was activated, sending the pilots to identify and monitor the Russian planes.
An MoD spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating: "Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter jets from RAF Lossiemouth scrambled to intercept two Russian long-range bomber aircraft which were approaching the UK Area of Interest. The Russian aircraft were escorted by the RAF until they were out of the UK's Area of Interest. At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace."
This type of intercept is a core duty of the RAF's QRA force, which remains on constant standby, 24/7, 365 days a year, to protect UK airspace. The Tu-160 'Blackjack' is a formidable nuclear-capable bomber, representing one of the most powerful aircraft in the Russian military's arsenal.
Such incidents, while not uncommon, highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the RAF's pivotal role in national defence. The interception was successfully completed, with the Typhoon jets shadowing the bombers until they departed the region.
