UK fighter jets intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft after it "repeatedly approached" the carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea, according to the Ministry of Defence. The incident occurred while the UK's Carrier Strike Group was operating on Operation Firecrest.
Unsafe and Unprofessional Behaviour
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated: "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."
Interception by F-35 Jets
The Russian aircraft was intercepted and escorted by two UK F-35 jets from HMS Prince of Wales until it left the area. The F-35s, operating from the Royal Navy's newest aircraft carrier, demonstrated the UK's capability to protect its naval assets.
Ongoing Operations
The UK Carrier Strike Group is deployed on Operation Firecrest, a routine mission to ensure security and stability in the region. The Ministry of Defence has not disclosed further details about the duration of the incident or the exact location within the Norwegian Sea.
