LONDON: In a display of heightened tensions, UK military jets were scrambled on Monday morning to intercept two Russian Tu-142 long-range maritime patrol bombers flying north of the Shetland Islands in Scotland, according to a statement by Britain’s defence ministry.
The Royal Air Force Typhoon jets, launched from RAF Lossiemouth in northeastern Scotland, closely monitored the Russian bombers as they transited near the Shetland Islands within NATO’s northern air policing area in the North Sea. The interception mission was undertaken to ensure the safety and security of UK airspace and territory.
The Typhoon jets were supported by a Voyager tanker, which remained airborne throughout the mission, offering the capability for air-to-air refuelling if required.
UK Armed Forces Readiness to Safeguard Nation
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey expressed confidence in the RAF’s readiness to safeguard the nation. “Pilots launched in their Typhoon jets to intercept two Russian long-range bombers this morning, monitoring them as they passed north of the Shetland Islands, ready to counter any potential threat to UK territory,” he stated.
