RAF Typhoon fighters scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers heading to UK airspace

The UK has scrambled two Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth to intercept two Russian bombers heading towards British airspace.

The Russian Bear aircraft were escorted away north of Scotland and had not crossed into UK sovereign airspace.

The Ministry of Defence stated at no time were the Russian planes deemed a threat.

A spokesman said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched today [14 May] from RAF Lossiemouth after unidentified aircraft were tracked flying towards UK airspace.

"The aircraft were identified as Russian Bear aircraft which were escorted by the RAF Typhoon fighters until they were out of the UK area of interest.

"At no time did the Russian military aircraft cross into UK sovereign airspace."

Last month two RAF Typhoon jets from 6 Squadron intercepted Russian military aircraft near Baltic airspace to protect the Baltic states such as Estonia and Latvia.

Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said air interceptions like this underline the vital importance of the UK's contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission.

"The UK's role in the protection of Nato airspace and the involvement of our personnel in the Estonian exercise currently taking place demonstrate our commitment to Nato's collective defence and the value of our Armed Forces' expertise in improving the military capabilities of our allies," he said.