RAF jets scrambled to Russian military aircraft spotted close to UK airspace

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy RAF fighter jets were scrambled to a Russian military aircraft spotted flying close to UK airspace. “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.” open image in gallery Russian TU-142 “Bear” Bomber It comes after the Royal Navy observed Russian military vessels passing through the English Channel over the past week. The Duke class frigate and Tide-class tanker, supported by an RAF P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, followed the ships through the Channel before handing over duties to the French Navy. open image in gallery Image taken from video, a U.S. Air Force F-16 operating under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command Last month the US released a video of a close-call encounter between a Russian fighter jet and a U.S. Air Force F-16 sent to intercept it.