RAF Typhoon jets from Lossiemouth intercept Russian bombers flying north of Shetland Islands

RAF Typhoon jets intercepted Russian bombers flying north of Scotland on Monday morning, the UK Government has said.

Typhoon fighters were deployed to obstruct two Russian long-range maritime patrol bombers, as they transited north of the Shetland Islands within NATO’s northern air policing area.

The Russian Tu-142 Bear-F and Tu-142 Bear-J maritime patrol bombers were then monitored by the jets in international airspace, as they passed north of the UK.

The Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth, alongside a Voyager tanker to provide air refuelling capability where needed.

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, said: “RAF crews at Lossiemouth maintain a constant watch over UK airspace and are always ready to take action at a moment’s notice to keep our country safe.

“Pilots launched in their Typhoon jets to intercept two Russian long-range bombers this morning, monitoring them as they passed north of the Shetland Islands, ready to counter any potential threat to UK territory.” 

An RAF Typhoon pilot involved in Monday’s mission said: “It’s really satisfying to know we’ve been able to make a successful intercept, maintaining the integrity of UK and NATO airspace.

“When the alarm for a scramble happened in the early hours of the morning, the adrenaline kicked in. Working in tandem with ground control operators, and with air-to-air refuelling from an RAF Voyager, we were able to stay on task until the mission was complete, and the target aircraft departed the UK’s area of interest.”