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19/02/2015
MoD Confirm Military Aircraft Spotted Off Cornwall Coast
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that two Russian military aircrafts were spotted off the Cornwall coast on Wednesday.
It is understood the Russian Bear bombers did not enter UK airspace but came close enough for the RAF jets to be scrambled and "escort" the military planes back into neutral territory.
In a statement on Thursday, the MoD said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched [on Wednesday] after Russian aircraft were identified flying close to UK airspace.
"The Russian planes were escorted by the RAF until they were out of the UK area of interest. At no time did the Russian military aircraft cross into UK sovereign airspace."
It is understood that it is not the first time Russian aircraft has been spotted close to British airspace, with BBC political correspondent, Ross Hawkins, describing it as "part of a trend", done as a "show of strength … with political intent".
(MH/CD)
It is understood the Russian Bear bombers did not enter UK airspace but came close enough for the RAF jets to be scrambled and "escort" the military planes back into neutral territory.
In a statement on Thursday, the MoD said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched [on Wednesday] after Russian aircraft were identified flying close to UK airspace.
"The Russian planes were escorted by the RAF until they were out of the UK area of interest. At no time did the Russian military aircraft cross into UK sovereign airspace."
It is understood that it is not the first time Russian aircraft has been spotted close to British airspace, with BBC political correspondent, Ross Hawkins, describing it as "part of a trend", done as a "show of strength … with political intent".
(MH/CD)
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