Scottish airman didn’t have much time to dwell on the country’s historic referendum Friday because they were busy responding to Russian bombers buzzing northern U.K. airspace.

Royal Air Force jets at RAF Lossiemouthwere were scrambled Friday to identify aircraft, which turned out to be Russian TU-95 “Bears.” The Royal Air Force reported that it was the first time a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) from Lossiemouthwere was required to act.

“The relocation of two Typhoon squadrons [to Lossiemouthwere] was a significant challenge, one that was met by our whole team. The many months of preparation and infrastructure improvements have made us absolutely ready for this launch, and shows we are in the best position to provide the service to the United Kingdom that the Royal Air Force was primarily created for — that is, the protection of our airspace,” said Lossiemouth’s Station Commander, Group Captain Mark Chappell, RAF reported on its website.

Russian bombers conducted similar flights near U.S. airspace in recent months, including bomber flights near Alaska in April and the Northern California coast in July.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.