On 14 August 2023, RAF pilots from the Royal Air Force (RAF) swiftly launched Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighters today in response to the presence of two Russian long-range maritime patrol bombers. The Russian aircraft were detected as they traversed the northern airspace near the Shetland Islands within the scope of NATO’s northern air policing domain.
Departing from RAF Lossiemouth, one of the two designated QRA stations, the Typhoon jets are maintained in a constant state of readiness, poised to counter any emergent threats to the UK airspace.
The Russian maritime patrol aircraft, Tu-142 Bear-F and Tu-142 Bear-J, utilized for reconnaissance and anti-submarine activities, were meticulously observed by the RAF Typhoons while operating in international airspace north of the United Kingdom.
James Heappey, the Minister for the Armed Forces, remarked, “The vigilant RAF crews stationed at Lossiemouth ensure an unwavering surveillance of UK airspace, primed to respond instantly to safeguard our nation.”
In a synchronized effort with ground control operators and supplemented by air-to-air refueling from an RAF Voyager, the Typhoon pilots embarked on a successful interception mission. The mission spanned the period necessary to oversee the departure of the Russian aircraft from the UK’s area of interest.
The lead RAF Typhoon pilot expressed satisfaction with the accomplished interception, emphasizing the commitment to preserving the sanctity of both UK and NATO airspace.
Amid the initial early morning scramble alarm, the synergy between the pilots and ground control was accentuated by the adrenaline surge. The RAF Voyager ensured the continuous airborne presence of the Typhoons through air-to-air refueling, facilitating a focused mission until the target aircraft exited the designated area.
RAF Typhoons are activated during such occurrences to ensure the protection and vigilance of the United Kingdom’s skies. Recent accomplishments by RAF pilots from Lossiemouth include a four-month deployment for NATO’s air policing mission in Estonia, involving over 50 similar air intercept operations.
Entrance of Russian military aircraft into the UK Flight Information Region, a controlled sector of international airspace, can potentially endanger other aerial traffic. These Russian aircraft often abstain from communication with air traffic control or utilizing squawk codes, mechanisms that enhance visibility to other air users and ground controllers.
Following the mission, the Typhoons and Voyager have returned to their home base, having undergone refueling to maintain readiness for any prospective future threats.
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