Moray jets were scrambled earlier today to track two Russian bombers approaching the UK’s airspace.
Two Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth were dispatched as part of the quick reaction alert (QRA) response.
Crews from Norway were also launched while a Nato aircraft that was already operating west of Shetland was sent to enhance radar coverage.
At no point did the Russian planes enter UK airspace.
The incident comes just a day after three jets from the Moray base left for Lithuania to defend Nato airspace in Eastern Europe.
The QRA operation at RAF Lossiemouth requires Typhoons to be ready to scramble at any point to intercept unidentified aircraft approaching the UK.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, said: “These Russian bombers are relics of the Cold War, do not comply with international air traffic regulations and are a hazard to civilian and military aircraft.
“Despite the global pandemic, the RAF and our allies continue to ensure Russian military flights pose no threat to Nato and UK airspace.”
One of the pilots involved in the mission said: “After scrambling to intercept the two Russian aircraft we were in close contact with Battlespace Managers from the RAF and Norway, who directed us towards the aircraft and relayed orders throughout, ensuring we could confirm where they were and what they were doing at all times.”
