RAF jets were spotted scrambling to an ‘unidentified aircraft’ off Edinburgh's coast heading to the north of Scotland shortly after 12pm today.
The RAF is conducting a 'Quick Reaction Alert' mission, currently involved in the operation to intercept the unknown plane.
Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth, supported by a Voyager Tanker from RAF Brize Norton, have launched northwards against the "unidentified aircraft" approaching the "UK area of interest".
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An RAF spokesman said: "Quick reaction alert Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth, supported by a Voyager Tanker from RAF Brize Norton, have been launched against unidentified aircraft approaching the UK area of interest.
"We will not be offering any additional detail on this ongoing operation until complete."
In November last year British Typhoon jets intercepted two Tu-160 Russian bombers.
Nicknamed the White Swan, the supersonic jet is nuclear capable and often sent on probing missions to test Nato.
The long-range strategic bombers were escorted away and did not enter UK airspace.
The Russian Ministry of Defence said at the time that its aircraft, of the same type as were intercepted, had conducted a patrol over Belarusian airspace.
The latest intervention action comes as Russia continues to amass tens of thousands of troops and tanks close to the Ukrainian border amid fears of an invasion.
