RAF Jets See Off Russian Bombers

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RAF Tornados were scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers as they threatened to enter UK airspace, it has emerged.

The British planes were part of a special "quick response" squadron scrambled from RAF Leuchars in Scotland.

An air-to-air refuelling tanker was also sent up in case the mission lasted longer.

The Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers were tracked on radar as they headed for the North East coast on Thursday night.

Norwegian F-16 fighters were also launched to tail the Russian "zombies".

The Tornados took off just before 10.30pm and tailed the bombers until about 1.30am on Friday.

Sky News understands the Russian aircraft crossed a section of airspace controlled by the UK, but the Ministry of Defence has refused to confirm or comment.

However, the MoD has confirmed the North Sea encounter.

A spokesman told Sky News Online: "Incursions into UK and Nato-monitored airspace from Russian aircraft have occurred on a number of occasions and these aircraft have been identified and tracked, usually before they arrive in UK and Nato airspace, by Nato partners."

A Russian air force spokesman said the bombers were on a "patrol mission".

Colonel Vladimir Drik said Russia resumed regular missions by strategic bombers over the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans last August, and that they posed no threat to other countries.

Russia always gave notice of upcoming patrols, he added.

In July 2007 RAF Tornados were scrambled to intercept Tupolev Tu-95 Bears as they threatened to enter UK airspace.

At the time, the MoD said such an encounter was "rare".

RAF Leuchars is home to two squadrons of RAF Tornado aircraft.

Both are part of the QRA (quick reaction alert) structure, first set up to combat the threat of possible Russian attacks during the Cold War.

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