Plane defence figures 'highlight Scots role'

Friday 25 January 2013

NEW figures showing Typhoons have been scrambled to intercept Russian military planes almost 30 times in the past three years highlight Scotland's role in protecting the UK's skies, according to the SNP.

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Angus Robertson MP, the party's Westminster leader, also said the figures reveal the importance of an integrated air defence.

RAF Quick Reaction Alert aircraft were launched eight times last year, 10 times in 2011 and 11 times in 2010 after Russian military aircraft approached or entered the Nato air policing airspace which the UK patrols. The Ministry of Defence said that at no time did the Russian planes breach UK airspace.

Mr Robertson said: "This is evidence that the activity in the North is increasing and [shows] the importance of Scotland to the region as part of an integrated air defence, which is a common occurrence in many parts of the world."Co-operation with allies is vital to ensure this happens, and facilities in Scotland with its air bases and its radar are a crucial part."

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Plane defence figures 'highlight Scots role'

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