RAF Sends Jets As Russia Planes Near UK Airspace

RAF Typhoon jets have been scrambled after Russian military planes were identified flying close to UK airspace.

The Ministry of Defence revealed the news hours after it emerged warships from Russia's Northern Fleet entered the English Channel ahead of planned anti-aircraft and anti-submarine drills.

Interfax news agency reported the vessels were due to carry out the military exercises in the north Atlantic, but HMS Argyll was deployed to monitor the destroyer and Typhoons were sent from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

In a statement on the latest incident, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched today after Russian aircraft were identified flying close to UK airspace.

"The Russian planes are being escorted by the RAF in the UK area of interest."

It is understood the Russian planes intercepted were Bear H bombers.

After the Typhoons were scrambled, Voyagers from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire were sent to provide air to air refuelling support while communications and radar assistance was given from the National Air Defence Operations Centre.

Although the Bears did not enter the UK's sovereign airspace, their appearance will be seen as the second display of Moscow's military power near Britain in a matter of hours.

They are the latest in a series of similar incidents over recent months and come amid strained relations between Russia and the West over the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

James Nixey, head of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, said the Channel is a "legitimate shipping lane" but added: "Equally, these things aren't done by accident.

"Russia is trying to show it has got full spectrum capability warfare.

"It is not a prelude to war but it is a reminder that Russia likes to remind us of - that it is a power to be reckoned with, not a fading power, which might be closer to the reality.

"It can tell us that with a degree of braggadocio."

The Royal Navy monitored a squadron of Russian warships as they moved through the Strait of Dover after carrying out exercises in the North Sea in November.

Three months later, a Russian warship was tracked as it passed through the English Channel.