RAF Lossiemouth Typhoon jets launched in MOD Quick Reaction Alert after ‘unresponsive’ civilian aircraft sparks alert
Two RAF Lossiemouth fighter jets were scrambled today after a civilian aircraft failed to make contact with air traffic control.
The RAF Quick Action Alert (QRA) action by the Typhoon jets came in response to the security threat, but were stood down swiftly after communications between the aircraft and air traffic control were re-established.
Details are sketchy as to where and when exactly the potential security alert occurred and what type of civilian aircraft was involved, although anecdotal reports suggest a sonic boom was heard in areas of Scotland’s east coast.
RAF Lossiemouth confirmed at around 4.30pm today that the incident had been successfully resolved.
RAF Lossiemouth jets were previously scrambled in similar alerts in September and November last year in response to Russian aircraft making incursions near to or inside UK airspace.
RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) is a 24/7, 365-days a year readiness posture maintained by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to swiftly respond to potential threats in or near to UK airspace.
It involves fighter jets being cleared to undertake supersonic flight to intercept aircraft approaching the UK in Defence of the United Kingdom.
The sonic boom heard was caused by the Typhoons who were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons.
A Royal Air Force spokesman said any inconvenience caused to the public was “regretted” and added: “We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth were launched today to investigate a civilian aircraft which was not in contact with air traffic control, communications were re-established and no further action was required.”
