UK Quick Reaction Alert (air defence of UK airspace)
The RAF keeps Typhoon fighters on Quick Reaction Alert around the clock at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby. They are launched to deal with unidentified aircraft or aircraft that have lost contact with air traffic control. Lossiemouth jets, supported by a Voyager tanker from RAF Brize Norton, were launched on 25 May 2026 and flew a patrol northeast of Shetland. Typhoons were also launched from Lossiemouth on 14 April 2026 and in August 2026. A Typhoon detachment also provides alert cover in the Falkland Islands.
- Where
- United Kingdom, RAF Lossiemouth
- When
- ongoing
- Units
- Typhoon squadrons at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby, with Voyager tanker support from RAF Brize Norton
- With
- NATO
- Last checked
- 4 Nov 2026
Sources
- RAF scrambles Typhoons north of Shetland UK Defence Journal
- RAF jets scrambled after aircraft loses contact with ATC UK Defence Journal
- RAF Typhoons and Voyager refuelling jet were were scrambled towards Shetland AIRLIVE, 14 Apr 2026
- RAF Typhoons Scrambled North of Scotland After Unidentified Aircraft Approached UK Airspace TheDefenseWatch, 17 Aug 2026
