This was a potentially very serious near miss but let us look at the facts as we know them before slagging off either side.
The facts as reported are that this was a near miss between a Tornado and a Superpuma returning to Aberdeen.
The Mark of the Tornado is not known. If it was an F3 then it would have AI radar if it was a GR4 it would not.
If the Superpuma was operating on the designated Helicopter Main Route structure then it would have been at 2000ft on the Aberdeen QNH as we operate generally 3000ft outbound and 2000ft inbound in that area. This is not hard and fast as we may be higher to take advantage of a tail wind or lower to avoid icing so the height band you could expect to see a Northern N Sea helicopter is 1000ft QNH to FL80.
The airspace this happened is class G ie totally uncontrolled so the principal of see and be seen operates. Aberdeen offers a restricted RAS out to 80miles from the ADN VOR on 134.10 and a FIS on 135.175.
What can be learned from this incident.
1. If you are a fast jet pilot operating in this area then if possible avoid the height band 1000ft to FL80 and definitely don't hang around the 2000ft-3000ft band as that is where most of the helicopter traffic is.
2. If you are a helicopter pilot then don't assume that Aberdeen RAS is going to protect you. In between eating the sticky buns and coffee lookout. It is amazing what you may see!!!
3. The times I have seen Tornadoes they have been GR4s and have been below me.
HF