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RAF scrambles to intercept menacing Russians bombers away from UK airspace

Published on: 21 Sep 2018

Two Russian planes had to be intercepted by RAF Typhoons this week as the pair approached UK airspace, refusing to communicate with air traffic control.

The Russian Blackjacks long-range bombers’ radio silence made them a hazard to all other aviation, said the Ministry of Defence.

“Russian bombers probing UK airspace is another reminder of the very serious military challenge that Russia poses us today,” commented defence secretary Gavin Williamson.

“We will not hesitate to continually defend our skies from acts of aggression.”

Britain’s defence chief also praised the RAF’s rapid reactions as fighter aircraft quickly scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth on Thursday [September 20th] to monitor the two bombers, which were intercepted over the North Sea.

The RAF’s fighters escorted the Russian Blackjacks north, out of the UK’s area of interest and at no time did the Russian bombers enter UK sovereign airspace.

Further comment from the Ministry of Defence read: “The RAF routinely intercept, identify and escort Russian aircraft that transit international airspace within the UK’s area of interest and continue to be on call; 24/7, 365.”