Russian bombers fly around Europe to strike Syria in 8,000 mile show of strength

RAF Typhoon jets scrambled to meet the Blackjack bombers who went on to strike Syria

 Russian air force Tu-160 bomber flies a combat mission as part of a Russian air campaign against targets in Syria
Russian air force Tu-160 bomber flies a combat mission as part of a Russian air campaign against targets in Syria Credit: Photo: AP Photo

Russian long-range bombers were intercepted by RAF fighters during a mammoth 8,000-mile show of strength as they flew around the edge of Europe to fire missiles at Syria.

RAF Typhoons from Lossiemouth in Scotland scrambled to escort the two Blackjack Tu-160 bombers as the skirted UK airspace along the Atlantic.

 

The supersonic Russian jet bombers then flew south to Gibraltar before entering the Mediterranean and firing cruise missiles at targets in Syria and heading home north eastwards.

Defence sources said the Russian bombers are believed to have taken the roundabout route rather than a more direct flight across the Caspian and Iran to demonstrate to Nato their long range bombing ability.

The Aviationist website reported the two aircraft, the largest combat planes in the world, took of from Olenegorsk airbase, in the Kola Peninsula at around 9pm UK time on Wednesday.

After passing Norway, they were escorted by RAF Typhoons along Western Britain.

An RAF spokesman said: “The aircraft were identified as Russian Tu-160 Blackjack aircraft which were escorted by the RAF until they were clear of the UK area of interest. At no time did the Russian military aircraft cross into UK sovereign airspace.”

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "Our highly-skilled RAF pilots have once again demonstrated their skill and professionalism.

"This is another reminder that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they are ready at a moment's notice to protect our skies."

Russia has fired dozens of cruise missiles from bombers and warships since it began a military campaign to back the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Its planes have also dropped large numbers of bombs on Syrian rebel positions.

Russia this week launched massive strikes on Raqqa in response to confirmation that the group had blown up a plane full of Russian tourists over Sinai in Egypt.

A Tupolev Tu-160 Russian  long-range bomber carries out an airstrike on ISIS targets in Syria