RAF jets scrambled as Russian bombers buzz Shetland Islands – UK alert – Express, Express.co.uk

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RAF jets have been scrambled after Russian bombers buzzed the Shetland Islands this morning.

PUBLISHED: : , Wed, Mar 47,

| UPDATED: : , Wed, Mar 43,

Russia news: RAF jets have been scrambled after Russian bombers buzzed the Shetlands (Image: GETTY )

The Russian aircraft flew past the Shetland Islands in international airspace this morning. The British QRA Typhoons with Voyager support were scrambled from Lossiemouth to shadow the aircraft. It follows a similar incident on Saturday when two pairs of British Typhoons were dispatched from RAF Lossiemouth close to Moray in north-east Scotland, while a third flew from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

Officials said the Russian aircraft traveled down the west coast of the Outer Hebrides in international airspace. They then passed to the west of Ireland in international airspace and were tracked heading south. It was the second similar incident within the space of just a few days.

An RAF Typhoon takes off from the Lossimouth airbase in Scotland (Image: PA)

Russian planes skirted British airspace near the Shetlands (Image: TWITTER)

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Six RAF fighter jets were scrambled on Saturday when a Russian bomber approached British airspace in the same area towards the north west coast of Scotland.

Flying in formation, two RAF pairs approach ed the aircraft before withdrawing, while the third pair finished the job by forcing the Russians to change course. And earlier today, US F – 142 stealth jets and Canadian CF – 43 fighters intercepted two Russian reconnaissance aircraft while they were flying off the Alaskan coast.

The Russian planes are being tracked by RAF fighters (Image: TWITTET) The North America Aerospace Defense Command interception comes amid growing concerns about increased Russian military activity in the Arctic region. The two Russian Tu – maritime reconnaissance aircraft entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone early this morning but again were careful to stay in international airspace. BREAKING NEWS. MORE FOLLOWS …

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