Nov 30, 2020
Typhoons intercept Russian aircraft close to UK airspace
Royal Air Force Typhoon fast jets were scrambled to intercept Russian military aircraft flying near UK airspace
Two Russian Tu-142 Bear F aircraft were intercepted whilst they were flying near UK airspace, as they can act as a hazard to other air users. These aircraft are used in the roles of Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Patrol — it is essential that their movements are carefully monitored when flying so close to UK sovereign airspace.
To deter this kind of activity and mitigate the risks associated with Russian military aircraft flying in this busy international airspace, RAF Typhoons shadowed the two Russian Bears and closely monitored their movements.
The Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland on Saturday morning (28 November) and were joined by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, which provided air to air refuelling for the Typhoons.
Often these aircraft do not squawk — transmitting a code to identify the aircraft’s intentions, position, and altitude, or talk to UK air traffic controllers — causing other civilian airliners in the area to be re-routed to prevent aircraft from flying too close.
Other NATO allies also launched their Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft to assist in monitoring the Russian aircraft. Controllers from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire coordinated the mission, liaising with NATO partners at the Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany.
The incident concluded by early afternoon, with the Typhoons returning to Lossiemouth and the Voyager returning to RAF Brize Norton.
They were quickly returned to a state of readiness, available to respond to other potential threats to the United Kingdom, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
