Russian bombers flirted with Irish airspace yesterday – the latest incident in a war of nerves between Vladamir Putin and Nato.
It happened north of Donegal and military experts have already warned that similar military operations could pose a risk to civilian aircraft.
Dr Edward Burke of Nottingham University states Russian military intelligence aircraft sometimes turn off transponders to avoid detection.
He said: “Russian incursions may not only be wounding to Irish sovereignty. They also carry a potential risk to life.”
Dr Burke spoke out after an incursion into Irish controlled airspace earlier this month. Ireland is caught in the middle because Russia appears to be testing British RAF reaction speeds.
Yesterday RAF fighters were scrambled to intercept the Russian TU-95 Bear air force bomber – capable of carrying nuclear weapons – which was flying near the Shetland Islands.
British Typhoons from Scotland were deployed to shadow the Russian bomber away but it then flew west towards Ireland north of Donegal. Shannon Air Traffic Control referred all questions from the Irish Mirror to the Irish Aviation Authority. It also declined to confirm if the Russian bomber had entered Irish controlled airspace. And the Department of Transport failed to respond to questions.
Dr Burke said over the past decade Russian bombers have flown a series of missions designed to test RAF reaction times.
He added: “Situated between two of Russia’s principal adversaries, Ireland lacks the air defence capabilities to deter or defend against such provocative sorties into its airspace.”
.png?w=600)
