IN PLANE SIGHT
Moment RAF Typhoon scramble to intercept Russian nuclear bombers off Scottish coast as Ukraine tensions mount
THIS is the dramatic moment RAF jets were scrambled to intercept Russian nuclear bombers off the Scottish coast as Ukraine tensions continue to mount.
Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters and a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton were alerted to the initially unidentified aircraft approaching the UK "area of interest".
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Two Russian Tu-95 Bear H strategic bombers were accompanied by two Tu-142 Bear F maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare planes.
The Tu-95s had flown from Engels air base in the Saratov region of Russia, with the Tu-142s flying from Kipelovo air base in Vologda region.
Footage taken by the Russian crews on board one of the Tu-95s showed the aircraft practicing aerial refuelling before two RAF jets appear on either side of the bomber.
The RAF confirmed it had "intercepted and escorted" the four jets.
A spokesperson said: “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters based at RAF Lossiemouth supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton were scrambled today against unidentified aircraft approaching the UK area of interest.
"Subsequently we intercepted and escorted four Russian Bear aircraft.”
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At no time did the Russian bombers enter UK sovereign airspace.
A Russian report said: "In the course of the flight, the crews of Tu-95 aircraft practiced aerial refuelling.
“The flight time was about 15 hours.
“At some stages of the route, the Russian strategic missile carriers were accompanied by Eurofighter Typhoon fighters of the British Air Force."
The scrambling of jets is not uncommon, with the RAF primed and ready to intercept any unrecognised aircraft at all times.
They have been launched in the past to shadow Russian military aircraft flown near UK airspace.
A quick reaction alert (QRA) is not uncommon and have been around since the Cold War.
Russian war planes can be a hazard as they do not "squawk" or transmit codes revealing their altitude and intentions.
They also do not talk to UK air traffic controllers, meaning other planes have to be re-routed to avoid a disastrous accident.
It comes amid mounting fears that Moscow could be set to invade Ukraine as soon as February as Western countries square up to Vladimir Putin's war machine.
Tensions are hitting boiling point as Russia continues to ramp up its large-scale military presence in and around the country.
The US ordered 3,000 of its troops to eastern Europe as Joe Biden warned Ukraine's president to "prepare for impact" as Russia could invade within days.
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It's understood the US president told Volodymyr Zelensky that a February invasion is now "virtually certain" with more than 120,000 Russian troops massed on the border within striking distance.
But Western allies are showing the Kremlin will face a tough fight as forces and equipment is being shipped to Ukraine and surrounding Nato nations as the eyes of the globe watch on.
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