RAF jets scrambled as Russian bombers seen flying off coast of Cornwall
RAF fighter jets were scrambled to escort two Russian Bear bomber aircraft off the coast of England after they were seen flying “close to UK airspace”.
The Typhoon fighters from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire were sent to escort the Russian planes after they were spotted flying near to Cornwall.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "RAF quick reaction alert typhoon fighter aircraft were launched yesterday after Russian aircraft were identified flying close to UK airspace.
"The Russian planes were escorted by the RAF until they were out of the UK area of interest. At no time did the Russian military aircraft cross into UK sovereign airspace."
This follows hot on the heels of Royal Navy vessels being deployed after a Russian warship was tracked entering the English channel.
Defence secretary Michael Fallon told The Telegraph: "It’s the first time since the height of the Cold War, it’s the first time that’s happened. That just shows you, you need to respond, each time he [Vladimir Putin] does something like that, you need to be ready to respond.”