Dramatic video shows the moment RAF Typhoons intercepted Russian military aircraft as they approached UK airspace.
RAF Typhoons were scrambled on Wednesday (February 2) to respond on a 'Quick Reaction Alert' (QRA) as four Russian military planes were seen heading for what an RAF spokesman described as the UK’s “area of interest”
The jets, launched from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, were joined by a Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Now video released by the Russian military shows the moment the UK's jets intercepted strategic bombers. They can be seen flying very close to Russian aircraft in what appears to be hazy or foggy weather.
Other footage on the clip shows the aircraft taking off and landing, and conducting a mid-air refuelling exercise.
An RAF spokesperson said “four Russian Bear aircraft” were “intercepted and escorted”. At no point did they enter UK airspace.
“Bear” is the Nato reporting name for the Tu-95 and Tu-142 strategic bomber.
The RAF routinely intercepts aircraft approaching what it describes as the “UK area of interest”.
More Typhoon jets were launched from RAF Lossiemouth today (Thursday, February 3) after further jets approached the UK airspace.
An RAF spokesman said further information will not be disclosed “on this ongoing operation until complete”.
In November 2021, jets were launched in response to Russian TU-160 Blackjack strategic bombers.
Officials said at the time the fighters escorted the Russian aircraft out of the “area of interest”, and that the bombers did not enter UK airspace.
