RAF Typhoons scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth after civilian plane incident

Two RAF Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled after a civilian aircraft did not make contact with air traffic control.

The jets, part of the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA), were forced into the air to catch the aircraft as it came close to Scotland's east coast.

Communications were re-established between the commercial aircraft and air traffic control, and the plane arrived without any further incident.

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RAF Lossiemouth posted on X: "We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth today after a civilian aircraft failed to make contact with air traffic control.

"Communications between the aircraft and ATC were re-established and no further action was required."

The jets were allegedly travelling so fast that they caused a sonic boom – a sonic boom occurs when aircraft fly faster than the speed of sound.

The RAF's QRA Typhoons can fly at supersonic speeds to intercept aircraft approaching the UK.

"I can confirm you shook Arbroath. It was impressive," one user said on X.

The jets, which have an 11m wingspan, were able to soar at those speeds for operational reasons, the RAF said.  

The RAF's QRA is based at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

Its role is to stop unidentified civilian and military aircraft from entering UK-controlled airspace at any time of day.

Following an interception, the unknown aircraft is accompanied north beyond the UK's airspace.

After the threat is averted, the Typhoons can get back to RAF Lossiemouth.

RAF Lossiemouth is a base in the north-east of Scotland, where almost 3,000 civilian and military personnel work.

The base houses four Typhoon combat air squadrons, three Poseidon MRA1 squadrons, an RAF Regiment squadron, and a Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment reserve squadron.

A RAF spokesperson said: "We can confirm that RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth were launched yesterday to investigate a civilian aircraft which was not in contact with air traffic control.

"Communications were re-established and no further action was required."