Russian nuclear bomber penetrated UK defense, says report
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Sept 30, IRNA
UK-Russia
A Russian nuclear bomber penetrated British defense systems by flying to within 90 seconds of the coast, it was reported Tuesday.
The Blackjack jet was allegedly carrying out a mock attack as it targeted Hull on the east coast of England virtually undetected by air force interceptors, according to London's Evening Standard.
The plane was said to have been eventually spotted on radar, but the only two pairs of fighter jets used for air alerts were on other duties.
The breach, described as the most serious since the Cold War, has called into question Britain's defense capabilities, the daily said.
"The Russians made us look helpless. It was a disaster -- it basically gave the Russians the green light to fly wherever they want," a senior air force pilot was quoted saying.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed the incursion took place late last year but said it had a 'multilayered' approach to deterring enemy aircraft.
British air force Tornado fighters have reportedly flew many sorties to intercept Russian bombers since the deterioration in bilateral relations.
Relations soured last year following Russia's Russia's refusal to extradite a former agent to face trial in Britain over the poisoning prominent dissident Alexander Litvinenko in London in November 2006.
The dispute led to tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions followed by the forced closure of two British Council offices in Russia at the beginning of this year.
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