RAF scrambles fighter jets to intercept ‘unidentified aircraft approaching UK’

[ad_1]

RAF jets have been scrambled in response to “unidentified aircraft” approaching the UK.

Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth, in Moray, Scotland, and a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton have been launched in a ‘Quick Reaction Alert’ mission.

UK Defense Journal editor George Allison said on Twitter that the Voyager tanker is transmitting a transponder code indicating it is “conducting a NATO air policing mission”.

This he is a mission “which aims to add to preserve the security of Alliance airspace”.

An image on flightradar24.com shows the Voyager circling north of Scotland.

Typhoon fighters were launched from RAF Lossiemouth, in Moray, Scotland

(Datawrapper/Independent)

A spokesperson for the RAF 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.”

The RAF routinely intercepts aircraft approaching what it describes as the “UK area of ​​interest.”

An RAF spokesman declined to provide further detail on the operation until it is over.

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.

On Monday, the French military said that it had monitored two Russian ships, the Soobrazitelniy and the Stoykiy, and later handed over the responsibility to HMS Argyle, a Type 23 frigate, and the US Navy’s USS Roosevelt.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense described the tasking as a “normal response”.

Tass, Russia’s state news agency, reported on January 24 that the two Russian vessels had left Kaliningrad to conduct “combat exercises”.

The scrambling of the RAF jets today comes amid heightened tensions with Russia who currently have more than 100,000 troops at the border with Ukraine.

Additional reporting by PA

Have you got a story you would like us to report on? Contact us by clicking here

[ad_2]