February 4th 2025.
Meet Josh, a skilled pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) who has been flying Typhoon jets on the frontlines near Ukraine. Recently, he and his fellow pilot Joe were involved in a tense encounter with Russian fighter jets while escorting the RAF's 'Rivet Joint' spy plane off the coast of Ukraine.
The cockpit footage from that mission has been released, revealing the high-stakes game played between British and Russian pilots. As they flew towards the Crimean peninsula, Josh and Joe received a warning from Vladimir Putin's forces that they would be destroyed if they continued. This is just one example of the escalating tensions between the UK and Russia, as shown by the Ministry of Defence's recent release of figures on the frequency of RAF intercepts of Russian bombers.
But for Josh and Joe, this is just a day in the life. They are constantly on standby, ready to be scrambled at a moment's notice to intercept any hostile aircraft approaching UK and NATO airspace. In fact, their recent mission was part of a routine patrol to gather intelligence on Putin's forces in the Black Sea.
As they flew alongside the 'electronic hoover' spy plane, Josh knew that they were being closely monitored by Russian surface-to-air missile systems and fighter jets. He admits that they never know what might happen in these situations, and the stakes are high.
In September 2022, one of the Russian jets even released a missile near their spy plane. Fortunately, they were able to evade it and complete their mission. But this is just one of many close calls for Josh and his fellow pilots.
The footage from their recent mission was captured for Channel 4's Top Guns: Inside the RAF, which airs tonight. Viewers will get a glimpse into the adrenaline-pumping world of these quick reaction teams, as they engage in a game of cat and mouse with hostile jets.
But it's not just about the action and excitement for these pilots. They understand the gravity of their mission and the potential consequences if they fail. As Josh reflects on the encounter, he knows that it could have been game over for them.
The RAF's constant readiness to intercept hostile aircraft is crucial in protecting UK and NATO airspace. And with tensions between Moscow and the West at an all-time high, this is more important than ever. In fact, the number of QRA launches has remained consistent over the past four years, despite the increasing hostility from Russia.
One of the most memorable moments for Josh was when he intercepted a Russian fighter jet near the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula. But this is just one of many successful intercepts carried out by the RAF.
In August 2023, Typhoon fighters were launched from RAF Lossiemouth to intercept two Russian bombers flying near the Shetland Islands in Scotland. With the help of ground control operators and air-to-air refuelling, they were able to complete their mission and protect UK and NATO airspace.
The lead pilot on that mission, Flt Lt Mark Long, described the adrenaline kick he felt when the scramble alarm went off in the early hours of the morning. But for these pilots, it's not just about the thrill of the chase. They are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of UK and NATO airspace and protecting their country from potential threats.
The MoD has emphasized the importance of these quick reaction teams and their continuous readiness to respond 24/7. And as tensions with Russia continue to escalate, Josh and his fellow pilots will remain on high alert, ready to defend their country at a moment's notice.
Don't miss Top Guns: Inside the RAF, tonight at 9pm on Channel 4. And if you have a story to share, contact Josh at the email provided.
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