Russian aircraft have been intercepted in northern British airspace more than 20 times since the beginning of last year, it has emerged.
The latest scramble of jets from RAF Leuchars was in response to two Blackjack bombers flying near Stornoway, earlier in March.
The TU160 Blackjacks were shadowed by two of 111 (Fighter) Squadron”s Tornado F3 jets as they flew south.
Just north of the Northern Irish coast the bombers turned north and left UK airspace.
The interception, which lasted for nearly four hours, took place in the early hours of March 10.
Photographs of the incident were released by the RAF this week.
111 (F) Squadron provides Quick Reaction Alert cover for the north of the UK and its commander Wing Commander Mark Gorringe said, “This is not an unusual incident.
“People may be surprised to know that our crew have successfully scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft on more than 20 occasions since the start of 2009.
“Our pilots, navigators and indeed all of the support personnel at RAF Leuchars work very hard to deliver the UK Quick Reaction Alert force 24 hours a day which can be scrambled in minutes to defend the UK from unidentified aircraft entering our airspace, or aircraft in distress.
“It”s a very important job, defending the UK and helping to keep UK citizens safe.
“It”s also an exciting and busy time at Leuchars just now as we prepare for the arrival of the new Typhoon fighter jets which will replace the Tornados in the QRA role next year.”
The scramble two weeks ago occurred just before 111 (F) Squadron was moved to RAF Lossiemouth for a temporary “bolthole” detachment.