Thread by @RAFLossiemouth

3️⃣ Quick Reaction Alert scrambles over the space of 6️⃣ days... it's been busy for #TeamLossie 💪

But we're always ready to scramble at a moment's notice, #SecuringTheSkies of the UK 🇬🇧

Today we intercepted & shadowed 2 Russian Tu-142 Bear Fs.

Here's the lowdown 👇
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📡 Unidentified aircraft were detected by @NATO as they operated within the Alliance's area of interest.

🏝️ This includes sovereign airspace (over a country's land mass and 12 nautical miles off their coastline) and the international airspace around it.

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✈ The aircraft approached the UK's Flight Information Region - airspace managed by @NATS.

⚠️ While this is international airspace, aircraft are expected to speak with Air Traffic Controllers. Not doing so is hazardous for other air users such as civilian airliners.

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🚨 QRA Typhoons were scrambled from Leuchars Station in Fife, and routed to intercept the two aircraft.

🔍 They were identified as two Russian Air Force Tu-142 Bear F. These are Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Patrol aircraft.

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🌊 The two Bear Fs continued tracking south over the North Sea, closely shadowed by @RoyalAirForce Typhoons.

🔎 While their every move is monitored, there are serious flight safety implications for the Bears flying in this area.

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🚥 Russian military aircraft often do not 'squawk' an identification code, broadcasting their identity, intentions, position, and altitude.

⚠️ Likewise, they rarely talk to air traffic controllers along their route that are responsible for airspace deconfliction.

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⚠️ These aircraft can be a hazard to other air users, and as a result civilian airliners must be re-routed.

☑️ Our Typhoons will 'squawk' so that other aircraft and the controllers on the ground can see where the Russian Bears are.

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🧭 This mission was closely monitored by the Control & Reporting Centre at @RAFBoulmer, and a @NATO E-3A from Geilenkirchen Air Base which was re-tasked from a training mission.

📡 It extended radar coverage and provided tactical command and control during the mission.

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🎯 The two Tu-142s were shadowed until they departed the UK Flight Information Region, where @Luftforsvaret Quick Reaction Alert (from the Royal Norwegian Air Force) took over the mission of monitoring their activities.

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🌍 Danish and French Quick Reaction Alert were also involved with today's mission, along with a wide range of branches and trades within the @RoyalAirForce and @NATO. As always, it truly was a team effort within the Alliance. #WeAreNATO!

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⛽ An A330-200 MRTT Voyager from @RAFBrizeNorton supported the mission throughout, extending the range and endurance of our Typhoons.

If the situation develops or another potential threat was detected, we have more ways to respond thanks to the tanker being on hand!

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🎖 Special thanks goes to the team of personnel at Leuchars who have enabled #TeamLossie to continue #SecuringTheSkies 24/7/365!

❓ Any questions? You know the drill!
👇 Drop them below 👇👇👇

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