RAF jets were scrambled after Russian bombers flew over the North Sea, the MoD has said.
The Typhoon aircraft were sent out from RAF Lossiemouth on Wednesday after the Blackjack aircraft flew over Norway and off the east coast of the UK before leaving.
They did not enter UK territorial airspace.
A spokesman said: "We can confirm that RAF quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth scrambled to monitor two Blackjack bombers while they were in the UK area of interest.
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"At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace."
The incident took place as Nato forces are in Scotland for a training exercise called Exercise Joint Warrior.
