Two nuclear-capable Russian Tu-160 Blackjacks were intercepted and escorted away from UK airspace by RAF Typhoon jets on Wednesday.
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According to the Ministry of Defense, these bombers were rapidly approaching a UK “area of interest” but never officially entered UK airspace. The Typhoons took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire which is located on the eastern coast of Britain.
A spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying:
“We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby have intercepted two Russian Blackjack bombers and escorted them while they were in the UK area of interest. At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace.”
This is not the first time Russia has begun messing with the territorial sovereignty of the UK. According to the Independent:
In September, two Russian “Blackjack” jets were intercepted over the North Sea. They were flying in international airspace that the MoD again described as an “area of interest”.
In May last year, two Russian Bear bombers were tracked flying near UK airspace near the north of Scotland.
While the incident was resolved without any drama, the question remains: What were a pair of bombers doing so close to British airspace? Sound off in the comments below!
