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UK fighter jets intercept Russian bombers approaching UK airspace

Russian Blackjack bombers were not talking to air traffic control, making them a hazard to all other aviation

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government
UK fighter jets intercept Russian bombers approaching UK airspace

UK fighter jets intercept Russian bombers approaching UK airspace

Today (20 September), RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighter aircraft scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth to monitor two Russian planes approaching UK airspace. 皇冠体育app Russian Blackjacks long-range bombers were not talking to air traffic control, making them a hazard to all other aviation.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

Russian bombers probing UK airspace is another reminder of the very serious military challenge that Russia poses us today.

We will not hesitate to continually defend our skies from acts of aggression. Once again the rapid reactions of our RAF have demonstrated how vital our Armed Forces are in protecting Britain.

皇冠体育app RAF worked closely with NATO partners to monitor the jets as they passed through a variety of international airspace before they were intercepted by the RAF over the North Sea. Subsequently, our fighters escorted the Russian Blackjacks north, out of the UK鈥檚 area of interest. At no time did the Russian bombers enter UK sovereign airspace.

RAF QRA was launched today because the Russian Military aircraft were not talking to air traffic agencies. 皇冠体育app RAF routinely intercept, identify and escort Russian aircraft that transit international airspace within the UK鈥檚 area of interest and continue to be on call; 24/7, 365.

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Published 20 September 2018