RAF in latest interception of Russian aircraft off Scotland coast
Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) reportedly intercepted two Russian aircraft off the north-east Scottish coast on Saturday (September 12).
According to the Ministry of Defense (MoD), RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled after the Russian aircraft allegedly entered the UK’s “controlled zone of international airspace”.
The Typhoons were scrambled from Leuchars Station (in Fife) but their real home is RAF Lossiemouth, an airbase in north-east Scotland.
The Typhoon fighters have been temporarily relocated to Leuchars - which belongs to the Army as opposed to the RAF – while part of a runway at RAF Lossiemouth is resurfaced.
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) September 12, 2020 ">http://
Typhoon aircraft from @RAFLossiemouth that are currently operating from Leuchars Station, today scrambled and intercepted two Russian aircraft off the Scottish Coast. #WeAreNATO pic.twitter.com/9MeN0fKQah
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) September 12, 2020
The allegedly intruding Russian aircraft have been identified as Tuopolev Tu-142 Bear F maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
This is the latest encounter between the British and Russian air forces close to Scottish airspace.
Back in April the commander of the RAF, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, mocked the Russian Tu-142 Bear Fs as “relics of the Cold War” which according to him pose a “hazard to civilian and military aircraft”.
Besides the Scottish coast, there have been near-engagements further afield, most recently with Cyprus-based RAF Typhoons conducting a reconnaissance mission against a Russian military exercise in the Black Sea region.
The increasing frequency of encounters between the British and Russia air forces has raised fears of a potential accident and possibly even a hostile engagement triggered by misunderstanding and panic.
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