RAF Jets scrambled to intercept Russian bomber
RAF jets have been scrambled 20 times in the last year to escort Russian aircraft, the MOD reveal, while releasing pictures of the latest interception over Scotland earlier this month.
Defence chiefs released pictures of two Russian Blackjack bombers which were spotted in the early hours of 10 Mar.
Two RAF Tornado F3 fighters from 111 Squadron were scrambled from RAF Leuchars in Fife where they intercepted the Russian planes near Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
The Tornados shadowed the bombers as they flew south before turning north, just short of the Northern Ireland coast. The aircraft then left UK airspace and, after four hours, the Tornado crews stood down and returned to Leuchars.
Wing Commander Mark Gorringe, commander of 111 Squadron, said: "This is not an unusual incident and people may be surprised to know that our crews have successfully scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft on more than 20 occasions since the start of 2009.
"Our pilots, navigators and indeed all the support personnel at RAF Leuchars work very hard to deliver the UK Quick Reaction Alert Force 24-hours a day, which can be scrambled in minutes, to defend the UK from unidentified aircraft entering our airspace, or aircraft in distress.
"It's a very important job, defending the UK and helping to keep UK citizens safe."
Source: Channel 4 News
