4 Days of Russian Intercepts in Aug/Sep 07
Lord Jopling asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many sorties, involving how many aircraft, on how many of the past 60 days have been launched to monitor Russian aircraft approaching United Kingdom airspace; and whether consideration is being given to the number of future Tornado fighters based at RAF Leeming.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence & Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Lord Drayson):
Quick Reaction Alert aircraft were launched to intercept Russian aircraft on four separate days during August and September 2007. I am withholding information on the number of sorties and the number of intercepting aircraft as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our Armed Forces.
Tornado F3 aircraft are being gradually withdrawn from service as they are replaced by Typhoon aircraft. The remaining Tornado F3 unit based at RAF Leeming is due to disband in 2008. We keep our air defence capability under constant review to ensure that we meet our commitment to protect the UK and its airspace.