RAF Typhoon fighter jets intercept Russian bombers flying near UK coast

The UK government has said RAF Typhoon jets have intercepted Russian bombers flying north of Scotland.

The Mirror reported the Typhoon fighters had been launched to intercept two Russian maritime patrol bombers picked up transiting near to the Shetland Islands within NATO's northern air policing area.

The the Russian Tu-142 Bear-F and Tu-142 Bear-J maritime patrol aircraft, used for reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, were monitored by the Typhoons in international airspace as they passed north of the UK.

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Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey said that RAF crews are 'always ready to take action' to 'keep our country safe'.

"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," he said.

"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."

A Voyager tanker was also scrambled and remained airborne for the duration of the mission to offer air-to-air refuelling, according to the Ministry of Defence.

It comes after it was reported that the Royal Navy has stalked scores of Russian warships around the UK coast in just two years, according to a Defence Minister.

More to follow.

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