Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

RAF jets scrambled to intercept Russian Bear aircraft flying north of Scotland

Russian jets last came near UK airspace in April

Kashmira Gander
Thursday 14 May 2015 16:47 BST
Comments
An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, similar to the jets used today
An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, similar to the jets used today (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

RAF fighter jets have been launched from a base in Lossiemouth to intercept Russian bombers heading towards the UK.

The two Typhoons were scrambled after the Russian Bear aircrafts were spotted flying north of Scotland towards the UK, in an area of international airspace.

The RAF planes then escorted the Russian Bear aircrafts away from the area.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched today from RAF Lossiemouth after unidentified aircraft were tracked flying towards UK airspace."

Air Chief Marshall Lord Stirrup, the former head of the armed forces, warned earlier this year that passenger planes are in danger of being hit by Russian jets unless the UK stands up for itself.

He told Sky News: "They are testing our defences and they are engaging in a game of chicken. That's very dangerous. We are seeing the possibility of mid-air collision between Russian aircraft and civilian aircraft increasing."

Additional reporting by PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in