RAF fighter jets were yesterday (Thursday 14) scrambled when a
Russian military aircraft was detected flying close to UK
airspace.
Two Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland monitored a Russian
Bear-F aircraft as it flew over the North Sea. The Russian
reconnaissance plane had been detected in the UK's area of
interest and at no time was it able to enter UK sovereign
airspace.
The incident comes after the Royal Navy shadowed Russian military
vessels passing through the English Channel over the past week.
The Typhoons, which were supported by a Voyager refuelling
aircraft, are part of the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert. This sees
aircraft in Scotland and England at high-readiness 24/7, 365 days
a year ready to defend and protect UK airspace.
The scrambling follows British warships, helicopters, and
long-range maritime patrol aircraft keeping close watch on the
progress of two separate groups of Russian ships as they sailed
in opposite directions - one bound for the Atlantic and the other
towards the Baltic. This ensured the ships acted in a safe and
non-threatening manner.
In the Channel, HMS Iron Duke and tanker RFA Tideforce shadowed
three Russian vessels, which were led by the new frigate Admiral
Golovko.
The Golovko was accompanied by oceanographic research vessel
Yantar and supporting tanker Vyazma. All three had been tracked
by the Norwegian Navy before British forces took over. The Duke
class frigate and Tide-class tanker, supported by an RAF P-8
Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, followed the ships through the
Dover Strait and Channel before handing over monitoring duties to
the French Navy.
As the Golovko continued her journey, Iron Duke took over
shadowing duties of the second Russian group. Frigate
Neustrashimy and her support ship, tanker Akademik Pashin were
travelling to their home port in the Baltic. Iron Duke remained
in contact with the pair back through the Channel and into the
North Sea before handing over to a Dutch warship.
Minister for the Armed Forces, said:
"Our adversaries should be in no doubt of our steadfast
determination and formidable ability to protect the UK.
“The Royal Navy and RAF have once again shown they stand ready to
defend our country at a moment's notice and I pay tribute to the
professionalism and bravery of those involved in these latest
operations.”
This is the second time in three months that the Royal Navy and
RAF have detected Russian ships and aircraft within a week of
each other.
