RAF fighter jets scrambled after Russian military plane flies close to Scotland

RAF fighter jets were scrambled from the north east of Scotland this week after a Russian military aircraft was detected flying close to UK airspace. Two Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray monitored a Russian Bear-F aircraft as it flew over the North Sea on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence confirmed. The Russian reconnaissance plane had been detected in the UK’s area of interest, but it did not manage to enter UK sovereign airspace at any point.

This incident occurred following a week where the Royal Navy had been shadowing Russian military vessels passing through the English Channel. HMS Iron Duke and the tanker RFA Tideforce kept watch over three Russian vessels, led by the new frigate Admiral Golovko, along with oceanographic research vessel Yantar and supporting tanker Vyazma. Following the British forces’ tracking of the ships, the French Navy took over surveillance responsibilities in the Channel.

As the Golovko continued its journey, Iron Duke took over shadowing duties of the second Russian group consisting of the frigate Neustrashimy and the support ship tanker Akademik Pashin en route to their home port in the Baltic. Iron Duke maintained contact with the vessels back through the Channel and into the North Sea before handing over tracking duties to a Dutch warship.

Luke Pollard, the Minister for the Armed Forces, praised the Royal Navy and RAF for their rapid response in defending UK interests. Pollard highlighted the determination and capabilities of the armed forces in safeguarding the country. This recent series of operations marks the second time in three months that Russian ships and aircraft have been detected by the Royal Navy and RAF within close proximity to the UK.

The continual presence and activity of Russian military assets near UK airspace and waters reinforce the importance of ongoing surveillance and response operations by the British armed forces to protect national security interests.

In recent developments, the RAF’s monitoring of a Russian military aircraft near UK airspace, combined with the Royal Navy’s tracking of Russian vessels in the English Channel, have underscored the consistent need for vigilance and swift responses to potential threats. The professionalism and readiness of the UK’s armed forces have once again been demonstrated in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. The collaborative efforts between different branches of the military in monitoring and deterring foreign military activities near UK territories remain crucial in maintaining national security.