RAF fighter jets were dispatched due to concerns about a suspected Russian bomber approaching the UK, as per reports. Two RAF Typhoons took off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, accompanied by a Voyager refuelling jet from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, heading towards Shetland.
According to The Telegraph, an unidentified Russian warplane was spotted outside British airspace. The Typhoons eventually returned to base as interception was unnecessary. Sources indicated that the UK’s deployment of fighter jets to monitor the Russian aircraft was part of a broader NATO response.
Recent events include the interception of two Russian Bear-F Tu-142 long-range aircraft by six Typhoons in 2020, along with Russian warships and submarines operating in proximity to UK waters. John Healey disclosed that a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines were observed near critical undersea cables in the North Atlantic before withdrawing.
In response to heightened Russian activity, a British warship and aircraft were mobilized to deter Moscow’s actions off the UK’s northern coast. Healey warned Vladimir Putin against damaging cables and pipelines, emphasizing that such actions would face severe repercussions.
Healey highlighted the UK’s joint efforts with Norway and allies to counter increased Russian activities in the North Atlantic. Monitoring included a Russian Akula-class attack submarine and two Gugi submarines linked to Russia’s ministry of defence deep-sea research program.
The month-long operation involved 500 British personnel, with RAF conducting over 50 sorties using P-8 Poseidon aircraft for submarine detection, supported by allied nations like Norway. The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment by The Mirror.
