PICTURE GALLERY: Typhoons scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft

Pictures have been released of the Russian aircraft which entered the '˜UK area of interest' earlier this week, leading to Typhoons from RAF Coningsby being sent to intercept them.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Feb 2016, 12:17 BST

Updated 19th Feb 2016, 13:24 BST

Image of a Russian TU-160 Blackjack aircraft, with two French Rafale aircraft seen in the background.

On 17th February 2016, RAF Typhoon aircraft of were scrambled from RAF Coningsby to intercept two Russian TU-160 Blackjack aircraft.
MoD/Crown copyright 2016 — Image of a Russian TU-160 Blackjack aircraft, with two French Rafale aircraft seen in the background. On 17th February 2016, RAF Typhoon aircraft of were scrambled from RAF Coningsby to intercept two Russian TU-160 Blackjack aircraft. MoD/Crown copyright 2016

A RAF spokesperson said at the time: “We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby have intercepted two Russian Blackjack bombers and escorted them while they were in the UK area of interest.

“At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace.”

RAF