RAF Lossiemouth Typhoon fighters were scrambled to intercept a Russian military aircraft after it was seen operating near UK airspace.
The incident, which happened on Sunday, April 30, saw the Russian aircraft approach north of Scotland and fly in international airspace over the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean.
Typhoon jets as well as a Norwegian F-35A fighter aircraft were also launched as part of NATO’s response to the Russian aircraft - a Tu-142 Maritime Patrol aircraft. The air force confirmed that at no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK sovereign airspace.
Incidents like this - known as quick reaction alerts - are launched to intercept unidentified aircraft flying in the UK’s area of interest.
An RAF Typhoon pilot paid tribute to the close contact they have with NATO in the successful mission, saying: "Today's scramble demonstrated the close working relationships we have with our NATO colleagues.
"After scrambling to intercept the Russian aircraft, we were in close contact with RAF Battlespace Managers, who directed us towards the aircraft and relayed orders throughout, ensuring we could confirm where they were and what they were doing at all times."
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