RAF tail Ruskies

Two RAF Typhoon jets were sent to intercept a Russian bomber last week, it was revealed tonight. The ministry provided few details about where and why this happened, but the Russian warplane apparently was in international air space and approaching Britain’s skies when it was shadowed.

The RAF Typhoon from Number XI Squadron followed a Russian Bear-H aircraft over the North Atlantic Ocean last Friday August 17. The incident occurred on the same day Russian President Vladimir Putin placed strategic bombers back on long-range patrol for the first time since the Soviet breakup.

Typhoon F2s took on their first operational duties in June, when they assumed the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) responsibility for UK and NATO air defence.

Typhoons, the RAF’s newest fast jet aircraft, currently cover the UK's QRA commitment together with Tornado F3 aircraft.

Over the next nine months, the Typhoons will progressively replace Tornado F3s, the aircraft which have performed this duty for many years.