RAF jets scrambled after ‘suspected Russian bomber’ approaching UK

The latest Russian foray into foreign territory

Fighter jets in the Royal Air Force were scrambled after a suspected Russian long-range bomber was spotted near UK airspace yesterday.

Two Typhoon fighter jet left the Scottish base of RAF Lossiemouth while a Voyager refueller plane departed RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

The aircraft travelled across Scotland's north-east coast before circling nearby.

This came as The Telegraph reported that an unidentified Russian warplane was lurking just outside British airspace, but did not need intercepting.

This is just the latest of Russia's probing forays into foreign territory, after it was reported earlier this week that a Russian ship has been seen ‘waiting’ in the English Channel, as per Nato sources.

The vessel, an Amur-class repair and logistics ship, is a 122m floating workshop designed to maintain Vladimir Putin’s Baltic fleet of ships.

According to The i Paper, a Russian naval vessel was seen “waiting” in the English Channel near offshore UK wind farms.

It is designed for the upkeep of ships and submarines, with 18 currently believed to be in the Russian Navy, and it was monitored on Monday evening by Nato Maritime Command (MARCOM).

The ship was spotted loitering at the eastern entrance of the English Channel, around 50km off the coast of Colchester.

Its location was confirmed by a senior Nato source, who said that they believed the ship was “waiting”.

According to data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence, a UK Border Force vessel was spotted sailing near the Russian naval ship. The UK CWind Typhoon is on contract with nearby offshore wind farms.

RAF Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft were also spotted flying over the area throughout Monday.

They are designed for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, as well as search and rescue missions.

Russia’s vessels continue to test Downing Street’s resolve, in spite of the UK threatening to seize shadow fleet ships that help fund Moscow’s war with Ukraine.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Putin should be in “no doubt” that “we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder”, as he announced new powers for the military to seize suspect vessels in January.

Dozens of sanctioned ships, many forming part of Russia’s Shadow Fleet, have traversed through the Channel without challenge since then.

This year, more than 300 sanctioned or suspect Russian-linked ships have transited the waterway on the UK’s coastline, revealing a sophisticated network designed to keep oil, parts and supplies flowing, in spite of sanctions from the West.