UK fighter jets were deployed to intercept a Russian reconnaissance aircraft near UK airspace, Defense Minister Luke Pollard announced on Friday.

Axar.az reports that two RAF Typhoon jets from Lossiemouth, Scotland, tracked the Russian Bear-F aircraft as it flew over the North Sea on Thursday.

According to the ministry, the aircraft did not enter UK sovereign airspace at any point. The Typhoons were supported by a Voyager refueling aircraft during the operation.

The Royal Navy and RAF (Royal Air Force) have once again shown they stand ready to defend our country at a moment’s notice and I pay tribute to the professionalism and bravery of those involved in these latest operations,” he added.