‘Russian bomber’ over North Sea sees RAF fighters scrambled in 'quick reaction alert'

The RAF has scrambled typhoon jets after reports of Russian aircraft over the North Sea.

The Ministry of Defence said a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) from RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, is airborne.

Mil Radar's Twitter page said a Russian aircraft was seen over the North Sea before being quickly "shadowed by RAF QRA Typhoons".

It said: "Russian aircraft now over the North Sea heading south shadowed by RAF QRA Typhoons with RAF Voyager support.

"Royal Air Force QRA Typhoons launched from Lossiemouth."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman told The Sun: "A Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) from RAF Lossiemouth is airborne, we do not offer detail on ongoing operations."

Mil Radar's Twitter page said a Russian aircraft was seen over the North Sea (Twitter/ MOD)

The fighter jets were dispatched from RAF Lossiemouth just after 8am.

They were joined by an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling plane which would enable the Typhoons to shadow the Russian planes for as long as needed, the Express reported.

Earlier this month Russian aircraft flew past the Shetland Islands, also prompting Typhoons with support from a Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to be scrambled.

The type of Russian jet used in today’s mission is not yet known.

The Mirror has contacted the Ministry of Defence for further comment.