RAF jets scrambled to intercept two Russian aircraft near UK airspace

Interception: Russian military ëBlackjackí aircraft that were intercepted by RAF Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland

MOD/PA

Robin de Peyer11 September 2015

RAF fighter jets were scrambled to meet two Russian aircraft which were flying near UK airspace.

The Typhoon pilots, who were sent from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, spotted the two Russian aircraft and escorted them while they were "in the UK area of interest" on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence said.

Air to air refuelling (AAR) support was provided by an RAF Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton.

Squadron Leader Jim Calvert of II(AC) Squadron, who flew one of the RAF Typhoons involved in the mission, said: "Given the Royal Air Force's enduring commitment to secure the UK's skies, yesterday's sortie once again proved Typhoon's capability to successfully scramble and intercept Russian long-range aviation.

"Protecting our skies is especially poignant in this 75th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain.

"Working together with ground-based radar and air-to-air refuelling aircraft today's RAF continues to come together as a team to protect our country."