Russian jets and ships near UK triggers response

Two Russian military jets have been spotted near UK airspace. Picture: Contributed

BRITISH fighter planes were launched today after two Russian military aircraft were spotted flying close to UK airspace.

The incident came hours after HMS Argyll was deployed to monitor a destroyer and two other ships from the country as they passed through the English Channel.

Typhoons were sent from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland.

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.

HMS Argyll is monitoring the ships. Picture: Royal Navy/MoD Crown Copyright/PA

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

It is understood that the Russian aircraft intercepted were Bear H bombers.

After the Typhoons were scrambled, Voyagers based at 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.

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