RAF Lossiemouth scrambled their fighter jets for the first time since they were relocated to the Moray base to identify two Russian military Bear aircraft found flying in international airspace.
The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft were dispatched in a “flawless” operation this week, their first assignment since moving from RAF Leuchars earlier this month.
A spokesman for RAF Lossiemouth confirmed its first QRA launch and said the RAF routinely intercept, identify and escort Russian aircraft that move within the UK’s area of interest.
The pilot of the first launch, who has not been named, said: “It was an honour to be part of what is a milestone in the history of RAF Lossiemouth.
“The fact that we had a flawless scramble and intercept of two Russian Bears was a testament to the hard work and commitment of all personnel involved.”
“A very proud moment, not just for the pilots who did the intercept but the engineering crews who did a fantastic job, as well as many other station personnel involved in this constant commitment.”
The RAF spokesman confirmed that the Russian military Bears did not enter UK sovereign airspace.
THe spokesman addded: “The primary role of the Royal Air Force is to defend the UK, 365, 24/7.
“The RAF will continue to remain alert and ready to intercept any unidentified military or civilian aircraft around UK airspace.
“Recent events have increased awareness of Russian military activity, however, Russian military flights have never entered UK sovereign airspace without authorisation.”
The QRA at RAF Lossiemouth is manned by crews from 6 Squadron.
RAF Lossiemouth’s Station Commander, Group Captain Mark Chappell, said: “This first successful launch for QRA(I)N has been what all of the hard work by RAF Leuchars and RAF Lossiemouth personnel over recent months has been for.
“The relocation of two Typhoon squadrons was a significant challenge, one that was met by our whole team.
“The many months of preparation and infrastructure improvements have made us absolutely ready for this to launch, and shows we are in the best position to provide the service to the United Kingdom that the Royal Air Force was primarily created for – that is, the protection of our airspace.”
The jets were relocated to RAF Lossiemouth from RAF Leuchars following the last Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) when it was decided that the Fife air base would cease to be a Royal Air Force fast jet station.