RUSSIAN JETS BUZZ BRITAIN
RAF scramble intercept fighters
FIGHTER jets were scrambled over Britain yesterday morning after “unidentified” planes swooped into UK airspace.
Defence bosses did not say where the mystery jets were from but reports claimed Russian bombers are testing western reaction times.
The Brit planes took off from Lossiemouth, Moray, at about 5.25am.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled today as a precautionary measure against unidentified aircraft approaching the UK area of interest.
“However, no intercept took place and the Typhoons subsequently recovered.”
The jets have a top speed of 1,400mph and are on “quick reaction” duty for Nato.
Fears are mounting over Russian air aggression. In September, the RAF intercepted Russian jets near the Black Sea.
Speaking at the time, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson pledged that Britain would always protect itself from Russian “bullying”. He said: “Russian bombers probing UK airspace is another reminder of the very serious military challenge that Russia poses.
“We will not hesitate to continually defend our skies from acts of aggression.”
Tensions between the UK and Russia have spiralled since the Salisbury poisonings in spring.
Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster, warned that Russia is becoming “ever more assertive”.