British RAF Jets Scrambled Twice to Intercept Russian Aircraft
British Royal Air Force Jets Scrambled to Intercept Russian Aircraft
British Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets were twice scrambled over the course of 24 hours to intercept Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace. The Ministry of Defence in London reported the incidents on Friday.
On Thursday evening, RAF Typhoons based in Estonia and Swedish Gripen fighters were scrambled to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft and a Su-27 fighter jet flying close to NATO and Swedish airspace. The Russian aircraft were not complying with international norms by failing to communicate with the relevant Flight Information Regions (FIRs).
Russian Aircraft Flying Close to NATO Airspace
On Friday, Typhoons were scrambled again to intercept two Russian transport aircraft flying south from mainland Russia towards Kaliningrad. The Typhoons were later re-tasked to intercept two Tupolev Tu-22M bombers and two Su-30 fighter aircraft flying over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace stated that these intercepts serve as a reminder that the RAF is always ready to defend their skies and those of their allies.
