RAF intercepts Russian aircraft after approach to HMS Prince of Wales

RAF intercepts Russian aircraft after approach to HMS Prince of Wales
A sonobuoy is deployed from a Russian Tupolev Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance in the Norwegian Sea, 2 July, 2026, Reuters
Reuters

Britain has accused a Russian military aircraft of making an "unsafe and unprofessional" approach towards the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in the Norwegian Sea, prompting Royal Air Force fighter jets to intercept the aircraft.

Russian aircraft approached carrier

The incident occurred on 2 July while the UK-led carrier strike group was operating under NATO command in the High North, where allied forces have increased their presence amid heightened tensions with Russia.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, a Russian Bear-F maritime patrol aircraft flew at low altitude and came "unnecessarily close" to HMS Prince of Wales.

The ministry said the aircraft also released a number of sonobuoys, devices used to detect and track submarines, in close proximity to the carrier.

In response, two F-35 fighter jets launched from HMS Prince of Wales intercepted the Russian aircraft and escorted it away from the area.

Incident ahead of NATO summit

The encounter comes just before NATO leaders meet in Ankara, where member states are expected to discuss strengthening the alliance's deterrence posture and pledge €70 billion in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026.

The alliance has expanded military activity across northern Europe following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns over security in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

Heightened security in the North Atlantic

Britain's carrier strike group is currently deployed in the Norwegian Sea as part of NATO operations designed to reinforce security across the High North.

Earlier this year, the UK also deployed naval assets to protect undersea cables and energy infrastructure after monitoring Russian submarine activity in and around British waters.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Defence said Defence Minister Dan Jarvis recently visited UK personnel aboard HMS Prince of Wales while it was operating near Iceland.

The latest encounter underscores continuing military friction between NATO and Russia as both sides maintain an increased operational presence across northern European waters.

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