UK fighter jets intercept Russian plane over Norwegian Sea

UK fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Russian maritime patrol aircraft that flew dangerously close to a British carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea. The Russian Bear-F plane repeatedly approached the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier at low altitude, prompting a response from British forces.

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The Russian Bear-F plane passed at low altitude and 'unnecessarily close' to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier and is believed to have dropped 10 sonobuoys into the water on Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Russian aircraft flew "unnecessarily close" to the carrier and is believed to have dropped 10 sonobuoys into the water. The MoD characterized Moscow's actions in the region as "unsafe and unprofessional." British forces attempted to communicate with the Russian plane on international frequencies, but received no response.

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Moscow's activity in the Norwegian Sea was 'unsafe and unprofessional'.

In response, two F-35 jets from the HMS Prince of Wales were deployed to escort the Bear-F away from the vicinity of the carrier strike group. The incident occurred while the UK's Carrier Strike Group, comprising the HMS Prince of Wales, Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, F-35 jets, and various helicopters, is operating under NATO command off Iceland.

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We live in an increasingly dangerous and uncertain time, and it's deployments like this, supported by allies and partners including Iceland, that improve our deterrence and defence as part of Nato.

This interception highlights ongoing tensions and military activities in the region. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated that deployments like this, supported by allies including Iceland, are crucial for deterrence and defense within NATO. He warned that the threat from Russia is multifaceted, extending across all domains, and noted that NATO has cautioned Russia could be prepared to use military force by 2030.

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We should be clear-eyed about the fact that the threat from Russia exists in every domain, under the water, on the water, on the land, in the sky, in space and in cyberspace as well.