RAF fighter jets were scrambled yesterday after a civilian aircraft failed to respond to air traffic control. The planes, based at RAF Lossiemouth, were scrambled to make contact with the passenger jet amid concerns for its safety.
The RAF said: " We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth today after a civilian aircraft failed to make contact with air traffic control."
The quick reaction force of Typhoons was scrambled to investigate the incident before the plane eventually re-established contact and the force was stood down.
The RAF remains on high alert following several incursions by Russian planes into the UK’s airspace and that of NATO allies.
In November last year, two Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth monitored a Russian bomber over the North Sea according to the Ministry of Defence.
The plane was described as being in the UK’s “area of interest” but at no time was able to enter UK sovereign airspace.
In September, it was also confirmed that RAF jets were sent to intercept a Russian aircraft "operating near the UK".
The jets were launched under the command of NATO and monitored the aircraft as it passed through international airspace.
