Scots RAF jets were forced to intercept two Russian aircrafts off the Scottish coast for the third time in just six days.
The armed Typhoons were scrambled from their temporary base in Leuchars, Fife, on Thursday evening after the foreign planes were spotted near UK airspace.
The pilots monitored the Russian Tu-142 Bear F Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Patrol aircraft as they tracked south over the North Sea.
Concerns were raised as the foreign aircraft did not engage with air traffic controllers meaning other planes in the area faced being rerouted.
Support for the latest mission was given by other NATO allies including Quick Reaction Alert jets from France and Denmark.
A land tanker from RAF Brize Norton was also placed on standby.
Air Officer Commanding 11 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Ian Duguid, said: “For the third time inside a week, the RAF has scrambled to defend the interests of the UK and NATO.
“It’s a sign of our continued resolve to work effectively with our NATO partners at all times and demonstrates the efficiency and resilience of our personnel, aircraft and systems.
“The whole process has its roots in the Battle of Britain system perfected by Air Chief Marshal, Lord Dowding in 1940. 80 years on, it remains as relevant as ever.”
The Scots jets were called into action on Monday after two Russian Tu-160 Blackjacks were spotted in airspace close to the UK.
Shocked residents reported hearing a ‘massive bang’ as the powerful jets took off from the current base in Fife.
This followed a similar mission on Saturday when the RAF Typhoons were once again forced to intercept two Tu-142 Bear F planes off the Scots coast.
