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Britain Ready to Intercept Russia’s Aircraft on Border
RAF two fighter jets took off at alarm Tuesday to intercept two strategic bombers of Russia that deviated from their usual course of patrolling Norway’s coast and headed for Britain, The Times reported Tuesday. But the Russians didn’t violate the UK airspace that day.
Two Tu-95 strategic bombers of Russia took off from their base on the Kola Peninsula to patrol the Norwegian coast but neared Britain’s airspace in the region of Scotland.
Two Tornado fighters from RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert were ordered to get off the ground in Yorkshire to oppose the Russians that had been already followed by two F16 fighters of Norway.
But the Russians turned back before reaching Britain that day.
The incident is rather illustrative in view of the rigid standoff between Russia and Britain. The split deepened once the Kremlin refused to extradite former FSB officer Andrey Lugovoy, who is the main suspect in polonium murder of Alexander Litvinenko, another former agent of FSB and then political refugee in Britain. Britain rebuffed by deciding to expel four diplomats of Russia and shelving negotiations to ease visa procedures.
Now it is the Moscow turn. The response will be adequate and targeted, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Glushko assured.
www.kommersant.com
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