Fighter jets from a military airbase in northern Scotland were scrambled Wednesday after Russian aircraft got too close to U.K. airspace and ships entered the English Channel.
“Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft were launched today after Russian aircraft were identified flying close to UK airspace,” a Ministry of Defense spokesman said, Agence France-Presse reported.
The Ministry said in its Twitter feed that three Russian ships were being monitored by the Royal Navy.
“Russian Udaloy class destroyer Severomorsk returning from Mediterranean with tanker and support ship. Due to leave Channel later,” the tweet read.
James Nixey, head of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the nonprofit organization Chatham House, said the incident was Russia attempting to display its “full spectrum capability warfare.”
“It is not a prelude to war but it is a reminder that Russia likes to remind us of — that it is a power to be reckoned with, not a fading power, which might be closer to the reality,” Mr. Nixey said, AFP reported.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.