RAF fighters track Russian bomber over North Sea

An RAF Typhon flies alongside a Russian aircraft on a previous interception

RAF fighter jets have been scrambled from Scotland after a Russian military aircraft was detected flying close to UK airspace.

Two Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray monitored a Russian Bear-F bomber as it flew over the North Sea on Thursday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

The Russian reconnaissance plane had been detected in the UK's "area of interest" but the MoD said at no time was it able to enter UK sovereign airspace.

The incident- known as a quick reaction alert - is not uncommon and involves RAF crews shadowing Russian military aircraft near UK airspace.

The latest Typhoon scrambling comes after the Royal Navy shadowed Russian military vessels passing through the English Channel over the past week.

It is understood this is the second time in three months the Royal Navy and RAF have detected Russian ships and aircraft within a week of each other.

HMS Iron Duke and tanker RFA Tideforce shadowed three Russian vessels, which were led by the new frigate Admiral Golovko.

The Golovko was accompanied by oceanographic research vessel Yantar and supporting tanker Vyazma.

All three had been tracked by the Norwegian Navy before British forces took over.

Iron Duke remained in contact with the pair back through the Channel and into the North Sea before handing over to a Dutch warship.

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said: "Our adversaries should be in no doubt of our steadfast determination and formidable ability to protect the UK.

"The Royal Navy and RAF have once again shown they stand ready to defend our country at a moment's notice and I pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of those involved in these latest operations."