The British Typhoons, from RAF Lossiemough, approached the Russian formation to identify its composition. They established it was an IL-38 ‘MAY’ Maritime Patrol Aircraft, being escorted by two SU-27 Flanker B Fighters.

Today’s interception is the first the RAF have seen and intercepted a ‘MAY’ which was operating alongside a Russian OSCAR class submarine.

Photographs show the RAF Typhoons intercepting the Russian jets.

One image showed the Russian submarine in the waters below, as it transited towards the West across the Baltic Sea.

More to follow…