π¨ Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were scrambled today from their temporary base at Leuchars Station in Fife.
βοΈ This was in response to Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace, but within @NATO's Air Policing Area.
Here's what you need to know π
1/#QRA
βοΈ This was in response to Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace, but within @NATO's Air Policing Area.
Here's what you need to know π
1/#QRA
π― Unidentified aircraft were tracked as they entered the northern @NATO Air Policing Area.
βοΈ This was monitored by the Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany.
β³ In the UK, Control & Reporting Centres at @RAFBoulmer & @RAFScampton prepared to scramble...
2/#QRA
βοΈ This was monitored by the Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem, Germany.
β³ In the UK, Control & Reporting Centres at @RAFBoulmer & @RAFScampton prepared to scramble...
2/#QRA
π¨ @Luftforsvaret, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, scrambled their Quick Reaction Alert F-16s to intercept and identify these aircraft.
π They were visually identified as two Russian Tu-160 Blackjacks - long-range, supersonic bombers.
3/#QRA
π They were visually identified as two Russian Tu-160 Blackjacks - long-range, supersonic bombers.
3/#QRA
βοΈ The Russian Tu-160 Blackjacks continued to fly south towards UK airspace, and so #TeamLossie QRA Typhoons operating out of Leuchars Station in Fife were scrambled.
π§ QRA has moved temporarily while resurfacing continues on the runway intersection at RAF Lossiemouth.
4/#QRA
π§ QRA has moved temporarily while resurfacing continues on the runway intersection at RAF Lossiemouth.
4/#QRA
β½οΈ A Voyager tanker from @RAFBrizeNorton was also scrambled. It happened to be ZZ336, known as Vespina, which features the distinctive Union Jack livery.
βοΈ This aircraft is used for VIP transport, but it can conduct air-to-air refuelling too - as demonstrated today!
5/#QRA
βοΈ This aircraft is used for VIP transport, but it can conduct air-to-air refuelling too - as demonstrated today!
5/#QRA
βοΈ As our Typhoons routed towards the Tu-160 Blackjacks, they turned north away from the UK.
πͺ QRA Typhoons remained in the area to deter any further activity near UK airspace.
π¨ We always take every potential airborne threat to UK airspace very seriously.
6/#QRA
πͺ QRA Typhoons remained in the area to deter any further activity near UK airspace.
π¨ We always take every potential airborne threat to UK airspace very seriously.
6/#QRA
π‘ Airborne surveillance was provided by an E-3A Sentry from the @E3AComponent out of Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany.
πβπ¨ It was re-tasked to use the powerful radar fixed onto the fuselage to monitor the Russian military activity within @NATO's area of interest.
7/#QRA
πβπ¨ It was re-tasked to use the powerful radar fixed onto the fuselage to monitor the Russian military activity within @NATO's area of interest.
7/#QRA
π The incident has now concluded and all aircraft are ready for their next scramble.
βοΈ It was a successful mission for all involved, both within the @RoyalAirForce and within the @NATO alliance.
πͺ We are always ready in our enduring mission of #SecuringTheSkies.
8/#QRA
βοΈ It was a successful mission for all involved, both within the @RoyalAirForce and within the @NATO alliance.
πͺ We are always ready in our enduring mission of #SecuringTheSkies.
8/#QRA
As always, ask us anything about #QRA and #SecuringTheSkies!
Keep in mind that much of the operation is sensitive, so we won't answer everything...
πβπβπβπ
Keep in mind that much of the operation is sensitive, so we won't answer everything...
πβπβπβπ
Clarification: this image of a Tu-160 is stock from a previous scramble and has been used for illustrative purposes.
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