Arabic version: طائرات مقاتلة بريطانية تعترض طائرة روسية بالقرب من مجموعة حاملة الطائرات

UK fighter jets intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft after it “repeatedly approached” a carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea, according to BBC News. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that 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.

The MoD characterized the Russian actions as “unsafe and unprofessional.” This incident follows a recent operation where Royal Marines boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel. The head of the UK military has indicated that the risks and threats to the UK are currently at their highest since the Cold War.

The UK’s Carrier Strike Group, which includes HMS Prince of Wales and 1,500 British personnel, is currently deployed under NATO command off Iceland. This operation marks the first time NATO has conducted air policing from a European aircraft carrier. The monitoring devices believed to have been dropped by the Bear-F plane float on the water and use sonar to detect submarines and other vessels.

British forces attempted to contact the Russian aircraft on international frequencies but received no response. Subsequently, two F-35 jets were dispatched from the Prince of Wales to escort the Bear-F away from the Carrier Strike Group. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis emphasized the importance of such deployments for deterrence and defense in collaboration with NATO allies.

In light of the escalating tensions, the UK government recently announced a £15 billion increase in military spending. However, opposition MPs and military figures have criticized the investment, arguing it falls short of addressing the threat posed by Russia. Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge remarked that prioritizing defense spending is essential for adequately funding the armed forces.