06/09/2007

RAF Jets Intercept Russian Bombers

Four RAF Tornados were dispatched to intercept eight Russian bombers, which flew close to UK airspace, it has been revealed.

Four F3 Tornados were scrambled from RAF Leeming in Yorkshire in response to the Russian action and the planes - believed to be Bear Tupolev-95 planes, which are long-range bombers - were diverted.

It is understood that Norwegian F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to monitor the planes as they neared their airspace.

The Bear planes can carry both nuclear and cruise missiles and are also used for surveillance.

(KMcA/SP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 July 2008
Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has commended Prime Minister Gordon Brown for "standing firm" on his demand for the extradition of the main suspect in the assassination of the defector. Marina Litvinenko welcomed Mr Brown's continued "firm" calls for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, two years after Mr Litvinenko's poisoning.
19 February 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.
23 July 2007
Russia critical of UK in Litvinenko row
Russia has criticised Britain's decision to expel four Russian diplomats in the row over the extradition of the main suspect in the Alexander Litvinenko murder, saying it was politically motivated.
23 April 2007
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been released, although some reports have suggested that he suffered heart failure. Mr Yeltsin was known to have a history of heart trouble. Mr Yeltsin is known for helping lead Russia into democracy and a market economy.
01 December 2006
Mystery surrounds former Russian Prime Minister's illness
A former Russian acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital following what may be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar, who was premiere for a time under the Boris Yeltsin regime, fell ill during a visit to Dublin last week and was treated at a Dublin hospital before being moved to Russia.