Bears are the most common Russian Air Force aircraft type escorted by the RAF, though on September 8 two Tu-160 Blackjacks were intercepted. This Tu-160, Red 04 (named after the Russian wrestler Ivan Yarygin, who won two Olympic gold medals), was recently intercepted by Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16s from Bodo Main Air Station.

An RAF Typhoon F.2 in 11 Sqn markings, though flown by a 3 Sqn pilot, shadows a Russian Air Force Tu-95MS Bear-H on August 17, 2007. On the same day, President Vladimir Putin announced the resumption of long-range strategic bomber flights. This was the first time the RAF's latest fighter had intercepted a Russian aircraft.

Bears are able to carry a formidable weapons load, which includes both nuclear and conventional versions of the AS-15 Kent air-launched cruise missile with a range of approximately 1,865 miles. Pictured is a Tu-95MS6 from the 37th Air Army, 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Air Division, 184th Guards Heavy Bomber Regiment at Engels Air Base.

Russian aircraft, such as this Bear-H, departing from Northern bases are first intercepted by Royal Norwegian Air Force F-16s. Should the 'zombies' continue towards APA 9 they become the responsibility of CAOC 9 at RAF High Wycombe, which will decide when to launch RAF QRA fighters.

RAF Typhoons from 3 Sqn at RAF Coningsby now share the responsibility for Southern QRA with Tornado F.3s of 25 Sqn at RAF Leeming. A pilot runs to his aircraft during a practice QRA launch for the press. In today's post-9/11 world, QRA crews may be put in the unenviable position of being ordered to shoot down an airliner should it be deemed a terrorist threat.

A Typhoon F.2 of 3 Sqn in QRA fit carrying four ASRAAMs on the wing pylons and four AMRAAMs under the fuselage. The RAF has not yet cleared the type's 27mm Mauser cannon for use.

A Tornado F.3 from RAF Leuchars shadows one of a pair of Russian Naval Aviation Tu-142 Bear-Fs which flew near the area being used for the Neptune Warrior maritime exercise taking place off Scotland in late April and early May this year.