A million years ago, on my first tour Harriers in Germany in the early 70's, I went on a weekend ranger from Wildenrath to Cyprus, using 330 gal external tanks. Very uncomfortable, but occasionally fuel transfer actually worked! It also changed the external profile of the jet to the uninitiated!!
On arrival, to the west of Cyprus, we were intercepted by two Lightnings. Who, after the intercept, asked the controller to "Thank the Canberras for their co-operation"!!!
So much for aircraft recognition!!
But it might have been frightening!!
Had a bit of a blarney that evening in the bar, especially as OC XX Sqn Lightnings in Cyprus was my ex-Sqn Cdr when I was a cadet at Sleaford Tech!!
Enjoyed the moment!!