A PLANE from RAF Brize Norton was scrambled to monitor two Russian aircraft approaching UK airspace.

An RAF Voyager from the West Oxfordshire air base and Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, were deployed as the Russian Blackjacks flew over the North Sea on Friday.

The fighters intercepted and escorted the planes to ensure they did not enter the UK's 'area of interest'.

RAF aircraft had previously been called upon to investigate Russian activity on Wednesday evening, when an intercept by the Typhoons was not necessary.

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Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said: "Our brave RAF pilots have shown again that we are ready to respond to any threat to the UK.

"Alongside our NATO allies, we must remain vigilant and aware of Russian military activity."

The air force routinely identifies, intercepts and escorts Russian aircraft that fly through international airspace near the UK and is called on every day.