RAF fighter jets from Fife intercept Russian bombers off UK coastline

Two armed Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets have intercepted Russian bombers operating near UK airspace.
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A quick reaction alert (QRA) was launched from Leuchars Station in Fife on Wednesday morning in response to the two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers, which had been detected by Nato air defence radars.

Fighters from the Royal Norwegian Air Force – Luftforsvaret F-16s, from Bodo Airbase – had initially intercepted and identified the Russian aircraft as they headed south.

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As the Russian Blackjacks approached the UK area of interest, a Voyager Multi-Role Tanker Transport was also launched from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

One of two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoons that were scrambled from Leuchars Station in Fife on Wednesday morning to intercept two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers that were detected by NATO air defence radars.One of two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoons that were scrambled from Leuchars Station in Fife on Wednesday morning to intercept two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers that were detected by NATO air defence radars.
One of two Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoons that were scrambled from Leuchars Station in Fife on Wednesday morning to intercept two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers that were detected by NATO air defence radars.

RAF QRA Typhoons were scrambled from their temporary Leuchars base to intercept the Russian planes.

The former Leuchars RAF base is now a British Army station, home to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

As the Blackjacks returned north, they were handed back over to the Norwegian fighters while the RAF Typhoons returned to their permanent home at Lossiemouth, Moray.

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One of the Typhoon pilots involved in the mission said: “We worked closely with units from around the Royal Air Force to deliver another successful intercept, maintaining the safety and integrity of UK and Nato airspace throughout.

“The Control and Reporting Centre at RAF Scampton routed us directly to the Tu-160 Blackjacks so that we could take over the mission from our Norwegian allies.

“Air to air refuelling from an RAF Voyager ensured we were able to stay on task until the two Blackjacks departed from the UK’s area of interest.”

Last month, two Russian TU-142 Bear F maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft were intercepted off the Scottish coast.

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