Russian bombers intercepted by RAF near Shetlands

RAF Typhoon fighter jets intercepted two Russian bombers flying west of the Shetland Islands, an spokesperson said.

"We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Losslemouth intercepted two Russian Blackjack bombers and escorted them while they were in the UK area of interest, said the RAF in a statement.

"At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace," it continued.

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman told IBTimes UK the Russian planes where flying from the direction of Norway past the west of the Shetlands, which are off the northeast coast of Scotland.

Typhoon aircraft also launched from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire as a precautionary measure, but were not required to intercept.

It the latest in a series of incidents in which Russian military planes have been intercepted flying close to UK airspace.

In November 2015, Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled from Lossiemouth to intercept two Blackjack bombers. Two similar planes were intercepted by RAF jets in October 2015, while in May 2015, two Russian 'bear' strategic bombers were escorted off the north coast of Scotland.

RAF Typhoons have also intercepted several Russian planes flying over the Baltics in recent months as part of a Nato protection mission.

In May 2016, RAF jets intercepted five Russian aircraft north of Estonia as part of a NATO protection mission.