RAF jets intercept Russian warplane after it approaches Royal Navy carrier

RAF fighter jets were scrambled after a Russian military aircraft repeatedly approached the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, during NATO operations in the Norwegian Sea.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Russian Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft flew at low altitude and dropped dozens of sonobuoys, underwater tracking devices used to detect submarines, close to the British carrier strike group. The MoD described the manoeuvre as "unsafe and unprofessional".

Two F-35B Lightning fighter jets launched from HMS Prince of Wales intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it away from the area after it ignored radio warnings from British forces. The incident took place on 2 July while the carrier strike group was taking part in NATO's Arctic security operations.

The HMS Prince of Wales is leading a Royal Navy carrier strike group alongside HMS Duncan and support vessel RFA Tidespring as part of operations aimed at strengthening security across the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. Defence officials said the deployment is designed to reassure NATO allies amid continued tensions with Russia.

Sonobuoys are floating devices that use sonar technology to detect submarines beneath the sea. Defence analysts believe the Russian aircraft may have been attempting to monitor submarine activity or test the Royal Navy's response during the encounter.

The incident comes amid heightened military activity in northern Europe and follows a series of recent confrontations between NATO forces and Russian aircraft and naval vessels. Western defence officials have repeatedly warned of increasing Russian activity around key maritime routes and critical undersea infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence said British forces responded professionally throughout the incident and that the carrier strike group continued its mission after the Russian aircraft left the area. No injuries or damage were reported.