The UK government is taking steps to ensure the safety of its airspace with the deployment of RAF fighter jets. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that these planes are kept in a state of 24/7 readiness and that the government will do whatever it takes to keep the country safe.
The Typhoon FGR4s are used by British alert forces and are stationed at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, north-east Scotland and at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. These fighter jets have a wingspan of 36ft (11m) – roughly the same size as a double-decker bus – and are capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 at a maximum altitude of 55,000ft. The aircraft are equipped with air-to-air missiles which enable them to engage with targets in the air and on the ground. In flight, the fighter jets can employ infrared-guided Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles as well as Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
The deployment of these fighter jets comes amid reports of suspected spy balloons entering US airspace, and subsequently being shot down. Mr Sunak has said he is in ‘constant touch with allies’ but could not provide further details about national security matters. He reiterated that the government will do whatever it takes to keep the country safe.
The deployment of RAF fighter jets is testament to the UK government’s commitment to ensure the safety of its airspace from any threats.
