The UK is scrambling jets to shadow a Russian spy plane near British airspace

British jets have been scrambled to monitor a Russian plane flying close to UK airspace, the defense minister said in London on Friday, days after. NATO aircraft were mobilized when Russian planes were seen over the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Norway.

Two helicopters from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland followed the Russian Bear-F fighter jet as it flew over the North Sea on Thursday, the department said.

“It has never been able to enter the UK's private airspace,” it added.

The Bear-F, also known as the Tupolev Tu-142, is a naval and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

The storms were supported by the Voyager refueling plane.

“Our adversaries deserve without a doubt our strong determination and great strength to defend the UK,” said defense minister Luke Pollard.

“The Royal Navy and the RAF (Royal Air Force) have shown once again that they are ready to defend our country at this time and I commend the intelligence and courage of those involved in these recent operations,” he added.

The Royal Navy also intercepted Russian warships passing through the English Channel this week, the Ministry of Defense said.

It added that it is the second time in three months that Russian ships and aircraft have been found during the week together.

Incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have increased in recent months compared to the past Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this week, Italy and Norway the jets are smashed after Russian planes were spotted over the Baltic Sea and off the coast of Norway.

The Italian Air Force intercepted a Russian Coot-A jet over the Baltic Sea, NATO Allied Air Command said in a social media post. Norwegian Air Force F-35s have identified several Russian aircraft flying in international airspace off the country's coast, NATO said.

In September, Japan claimed it fighter jets used flares to warn a Russian reconnaissance plane to leave Japan's northern airspace.

In Julythe United States has intercepted Russian and Chinese planes at an international airfield off the coast of Alaska. In February 2024, the US found four Russian warplanes flying in the same area. Several Russian planes have been spotted inside May again February 2023.