Two UK F-35 fighter jets from HMS Prince of Wales intercepted a Russian Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft after it repeatedly approached the British carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea on July 2, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Unsafe and Unprofessional Behavior
The Russian Bear-F aircraft flew at low altitude and unnecessarily close to the carrier, dropping a large number of sonobuoys in close proximity. The MoD described the activity as unsafe and unprofessional.
The F-35 jets escorted the Russian plane until it left the area. The operation was part of Operation Firecrest, the UK's Carrier Strike Group deployment.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “While operating in the Norwegian Sea on Operation Firecrest, the UK’s Carrier Strike Group was repeatedly approached by a Russian ‘Bear-F’ maritime patrol aircraft. The Bear-F passed at low altitude and unnecessarily close to HMS Prince of Wales and dropped a large number of sonobuoys in close proximity to the carrier. This activity was unsafe and unprofessional. The Russian aircraft was intercepted and escorted by two UK F-35 jets from HMS Prince of Wales until it left the area.”
