RAF fighter jets have been scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft for the third time in a week.
Two Russian Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjacks – used as strategic bombers – were seen today in the north of Scotland before flying down the west coast of Ireland.
The air force responded by sending Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby to monitor the zone.
Air Vice Marshal Duguid, Air Officer Commanding 11 Group said: “The interception by RAF Typhoons and other NATO fighters of the Russian bombers for the third time in a week demonstrates our continuing resolve to police, protect and defend our airspace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
RAF Typhoon jets from @RAFLossiemouth & RAF Coningsby and a refuelling tanker from @RAFBrizeNorton scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers that approached the UK, before they flew down the west coast of Ireland. The aircraft were continually monitored by us and @NATO pic.twitter.com/loDxxOMYSY
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) March 12, 2020
Two Russian Tu-142 Bear Maritime Patrol Aircraft bombers – known as Russian Bears – were monitored by the Moray jets.
A Voyager tanker, the air-to-air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, was deployed to support the mission.
Two pairs of Typhoons approached the aircraft, while a third pair forced them to “change course.”
Following the QRA launches we've had this week from @RAFLossiemouth alongside our NATO allies @Armee_de_lair to intercept Russian aircraft here is some footage from inside RAF Typhoons. #WeAreNATO #SecuringTheSkies pic.twitter.com/G9wkImvj21
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) March 12, 2020
One of the aircraft was later confirmed as a Tupolev Tu-95 Bear, which is used both as a strategic bomber and long-range maritime patrol plane.