Menu
19/02/2015
MoD Confirm Military Aircraft Spotted Off Cornwall Coast
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that two Russian military aircrafts were spotted off the Cornwall coast on Wednesday.
It is understood the Russian Bear bombers did not enter UK airspace but came close enough for the RAF jets to be scrambled and "escort" the military planes back into neutral territory.
In a statement on Thursday, the MoD said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched [on Wednesday] 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."
It is understood that it is not the first time Russian aircraft has been spotted close to British airspace, with BBC political correspondent, Ross Hawkins, describing it as "part of a trend", done as a "show of strength … with political intent".
(MH/CD)
It is understood the Russian Bear bombers did not enter UK airspace but came close enough for the RAF jets to be scrambled and "escort" the military planes back into neutral territory.
In a statement on Thursday, the MoD said: "RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched [on Wednesday] 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."
It is understood that it is not the first time Russian aircraft has been spotted close to British airspace, with BBC political correspondent, Ross Hawkins, describing it as "part of a trend", done as a "show of strength … with political intent".
(MH/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 July 2008
Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has commended Prime Minister Gordon Brown for "standing firm" on his demand for the extradition of the main suspect in the assassination of the defector. Marina Litvinenko welcomed Mr Brown's continued "firm" calls for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, two years after Mr Litvinenko's poisoning.
Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has commended Prime Minister Gordon Brown for "standing firm" on his demand for the extradition of the main suspect in the assassination of the defector. Marina Litvinenko welcomed Mr Brown's continued "firm" calls for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, two years after Mr Litvinenko's poisoning.
23 July 2007
Russia critical of UK in Litvinenko row
Russia has criticised Britain's decision to expel four Russian diplomats in the row over the extradition of the main suspect in the Alexander Litvinenko murder, saying it was politically motivated.
Russia critical of UK in Litvinenko row
Russia has criticised Britain's decision to expel four Russian diplomats in the row over the extradition of the main suspect in the Alexander Litvinenko murder, saying it was politically motivated.
23 April 2007
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been released, although some reports have suggested that he suffered heart failure. Mr Yeltsin was known to have a history of heart trouble. Mr Yeltsin is known for helping lead Russia into democracy and a market economy.
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been released, although some reports have suggested that he suffered heart failure. Mr Yeltsin was known to have a history of heart trouble. Mr Yeltsin is known for helping lead Russia into democracy and a market economy.
01 December 2006
Mystery surrounds former Russian Prime Minister's illness
A former Russian acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital following what may be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar, who was premiere for a time under the Boris Yeltsin regime, fell ill during a visit to Dublin last week and was treated at a Dublin hospital before being moved to Russia.
Mystery surrounds former Russian Prime Minister's illness
A former Russian acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital following what may be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar, who was premiere for a time under the Boris Yeltsin regime, fell ill during a visit to Dublin last week and was treated at a Dublin hospital before being moved to Russia.
08 August 2005
Russia pays tribute to British submarine rescue team
The Russian defence minister has paid tribute to the British Navy team, which helped to rescue seven Russian sailors trapped in a mini submarine. Sergei Ivanov contacted British defence secretary John Reid to pay tribute to the British crew. In a telephone conversation, Mr Ivanov said: "I send my deepest thanks and appreciation.
Russia pays tribute to British submarine rescue team
The Russian defence minister has paid tribute to the British Navy team, which helped to rescue seven Russian sailors trapped in a mini submarine. Sergei Ivanov contacted British defence secretary John Reid to pay tribute to the British crew. In a telephone conversation, Mr Ivanov said: "I send my deepest thanks and appreciation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
