Russian Aircraft Was Not In Contact With Air Traffic Control

On Monday, January 15, RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon aircraft scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth to monitor two Russian planes approaching U.K. airspace. The Russian Blackjack Tupolev Tu-160 long-range bombers were not talking to air traffic control, making them a hazard to all other aviation.

The RAF worked closely with NATO partners to monitor the jets as they passed through a variety of international airspace, before they were intercepted by the RAF in the North Sea. Subsequently, fighters escorted the Russian Blackjacks north, out of the U.K.’s area of interest. At no time did the Russian bombers enter U.K. sovereign airspace.

'The threats this country faces are intensifying and we will not hesitate in defending our skies from acts of aggression,' said Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. 'Our excellent RAF tracked the Russian aircraft every step of the way, and they continue to police U.K. and international airspace every hour of every day, to help keep the British people safe.'

RAF QRA was launched today because the Russian Military aircraft were not talking to air traffic agencies.

The RAF routinely intercept, identify and escort Russian aircraft that transit international airspace within the U.K.’s area of interest and continue to be on call; 24/7, 365.

(Image provided with U.K. MoD news release)

FMI: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence