UK air force scrambles 2 fighters as Russian jets fly nearby
FILE - This is a July 21, 2017 file photo of an Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet. Britain's defense ministry said Monday Jan. 15, 2018 that the Royal Air Force scrambled two fighter jets as Russian planes neared U.K. airspace another illustration of ongoing tensions. The RAF has confirmed a "quick reaction alert," deploying Typhoon aircraft from a base in Scotland, but military authorities say nothing has been intercepted. (Owen Humphreys/PA, File via AP)
LONDON — Britain's defense ministry says the Royal Air Force has scrambled two fighter jets as Russian planes neared U.K. airspace — another illustration of ongoing tensions.
The RAF confirmed a "quick reaction alert," deploying Typhoon aircraft from the Lossiemouth base in Scotland, but military authorities say nothing was intercepted. The incident yesterday is one of several in recent years as Russian fighter planes test NATO and British air defenses.
Russia's military has also sought to probe the resolve of naval forces, with warships being diverted to monitor passing naval vessels. Last week, the HMS Westminster, a Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate, was ordered to intercept two warships and two supporting vessels passing near U.K. waters.
- Latest
- Trending
