This page will collate all the information we can find publicly about specific QRA’s in a Log form. This will not be “live” but “historical” i.e. only publicised after the QRA has concluded and at very earliest during the post QRA Jet turnaround process. There will be certain lines we won’t cross, ie No live information, No Tactical Frequencies, No information that could lead to “sensitive” aspects being revealed (Such as Scramble time performance, Operational shortcomings, Weapons Platform Performance/Capability, Identification of Individuals and any procedures that may be subject to security classifications) for general information on how QRA’s are conducted in as much detail as we can give click here
Date: Tuesday 12th January
Time: Lunch
Station: South (RAF Coningsby)
Target: D-AFAL “IFA6016” [Bombbardier Global Express] Operator: Fai Airservice, Nurnberg “Franken-Air”
Q1: “5KM41” ZK357 [Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4] (QRA South Station)
Q2: “5KM42” [Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4] (QRA South Station)
Tanker: “W9G61” ZZ338 [Airbus Voyager KC3] of RAF Brize Norton UK
AWACS: None
Target Originated from: Flughafen Nuernberg Airport (NUE) Germany
Reason: Two Typhooons were scrambled from RAF Coningsby to aquire an Fai Airservice Bombbardier Global Express D-AFAL that had entered the UK ADIZ/FIR/Sovereign Territory on an opproximate track from its departure airport and over Southend Airport UK. The lead was authorised to break the sound barrier over land but only above a significant altitude. Reading between the lines it seems it may have at some point lost contact with ATC. After passing Southend Airport it turned left onto an approximate heading of South and weapons contact from the Typhoon closing from the rear was established. The Typhoon made contact immediately with the Target on VHF Guard and a standard insturction was given “?6016 from 5KM42 I am instructed by Her Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom to warn you that if you do not respond immediately to my orders you will be shot down” and was issued a turn order. It is important to note although serious this is standard phraseology in such circumstances to convey that very clear message and leave the Pilot in no doubt what he is being required to do. The Pilot replied that he was complying with ATC instructions at that time and was ordered to continue to follow ATC Direction. The Aircraft was shaddowed as it was turned onto a westerly heading initially then taken to clockwise around London and into Stanstead Airport. This is a designated Airport for these purposes and the most common destination in previous similar incidents. The aircraft landed and was escorted by airfield operations to an isolated area of the airfield. Although unconfirmed at this time it is standard procedure to be met by Armed Airport Police from Essex Constabulary and there is nothing to suggest this would not have taken place this time. It is assumed the target lost contact with ATC at some point, initiating the QRA but it is unclear at what stage of the flight this happened, for how long and if the aircraft changed from its assigned heading/altitude/route. The aircraft is a charter Jet and its striking livery and plush furnishings can be viewed on the company website
Official Words: Via BBC The RAF said the aircraft took off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and “safely escorted” the civilian aircraft to London Stansted Airport in Essex. “The Typhoon aircraft were authorised to transit at supersonic speed for operational reasons,” he said.
Chatter:
POSSIBLE QRA
– No further information will be provided on Twitter
– Our QRA Log on the website will update during/after its conclusion
– General QRA Info cant be found on the website— RAF Coningsby Info (@EGXCinfo) January 12, 2021
Rattled our Windows in Brentwood
— Richard Bennett (@cat_essex) January 12, 2021
12 JAN 1300z: Royal Air Force QRA Typhoons 5KM41 & 5KM42 launched from RAF Coningsby
— Mil Radar (@MIL_Radar) January 12, 2021
— kevin audis (@audis7) January 12, 2021
Managed to capture the Cambridge sonic boom (and my deer in the headlights reaction) live on video pic.twitter.com/ianzTpALWQ
— Heather Eastlake (@HeatherEastlake) January 12, 2021
Caught the sonic boom on my ring camera!#sonicboom pic.twitter.com/Z8IoF5A7ki
— Javelin Sam (@javelinsam) January 12, 2021
Sonic boooooom. Thought it was my parking at first 😂 pic.twitter.com/S44RFAkiw8
— Cllr_Owen (@cllr_owen) January 12, 2021
#sonicboom #harlow #wtf pic.twitter.com/UHDepcUjRq
— Simmo (@SimmosBar2019) January 12, 2021
Video of the Typhoon ZK357 flying over Stansted Airport after a QRA scramble to escort a aircraft into the airport pic.twitter.com/4AEFfVrzyY
— Intel Air & Sea (@air_intel) January 12, 2021
Earlier today D-AFAL a Bombardier Global Express was intercepted by @RoyalAirForce Typhoons and escorted into @STN_Airport.
Lots of people on the ground heard the sonic boom as they went supersonic!https://t.co/5RQCb2uDj1 pic.twitter.com/OjCxqtHUe0
— Plane Finder (@planefinder) January 12, 2021
Press:
Sky News: Sonic boom after RAF jets scrambled to intercept private plane
Metro: Massive explosion heard over London and Cambridge from fighter jet’s sonic boom
BBC: Sonic boom heard over eastern England as RAF escorts civilian aircraft
Date: Saturday 28th November 2020
Time: Around Dawn
Station: North (RAF Lossiemouth)
Target: 2x Russian TU-142F “Bear”
Q1: “A5N21” ZK424 [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Q2: “A5N22” ZK324? [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Tanker: “Y0O68” ZZ336 [Airbus Voyager KC3] of RAF Brize Norton UK (VIP “Vespina”)
AWACS: None
Target Originated from: Likely Mainland Russia
Reason: Scrambled to two Bears in UK FIR but outside Soverign Airspace
Official Words:
RAF Typhoon fast jets took off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland to intercept Russian military aircraft operating near UK airspace.
RAF Typhoon fast jets were scrambled this morning to intercept Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace near UK airspace. The Typhoons launched from RAF Lossiemouth on Saturday morning and were joined by an RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, which provided air-to-air refuelling for the Typhoons. Two Russian Tu-142 Bear F aircraft were intercepted. These aircraft are used in the roles of Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Patrol. It is essential that their movements are carefully monitored when operating close to UK airspace. Russian military aircraft operating within the UK Flight Information Region can act as a hazard to other air users, especially in this case as this was busy airspace over the North Sea. Often these aircraft do not squawk, which involves transmitting a code to identify the aircraft’s intentions, position, and altitude, or talk to UK air traffic controllers, causing other civilian airliners in the area to be re-routed to prevent aircraft from flying too close. The Russian military aircraft were operating within the UK Flight Information Region. To deter this unprofessional activity and mitigate the risks associated with Russian military aircraft flying in this busy international airspace, RAF Typhoons shadowed the two Russian Bears and closely monitored their movements. Other NATO allies also launched their Quick Reaction Alert assets to assist in monitoring the Russian aircraft. Controllers from RAF Scampton coordinated the mission, liaising with NATO partners at the Combined Air Operations Centre in Uedem, Germany. “As always our Pilots and their support team did a fantastic job, locating and shadowing the Russia aircraft quickly to ensure our area of responsibility was effectively policed, demonstrating our commitment to defend the UK and NATO.” – RAF spokesperson. The Voyager tanker supported the mission to provide air-to-air refuelling for the Typhoons. If a situation develops or another potential threat emerges, the Voyager’s ability to refuel Typhoons mid-flight increases their endurance so that they can redeploy and intercept further targets. The incident concluded by early afternoon, with the Typhoons returning to RAF Lossiemouth and the Voyager returning to RAF Brize Norton. They were quickly returned to a state of readiness, available to respond to other potential threats to the United Kingdom, 24/7/365. [Link]
Chatter:
POSSIBLE QRA
– No further information will be provided on Twitter
– Our QRA Log on the website will update during its conclusion
– General QRA Info cant be found on the website— EGTTinfo (@LondonFIRinfo) November 28, 2020
Northern #QRA up.
RAF Voyager ZZ336 TARTAN728 up from Brize and heading due north.Wheels up approx 0650z#avgeek pic.twitter.com/0heEudCnic
— Kev (@rocketron101) November 28, 2020
28 NOV UK QRA 0650z: Royal Air Force Voyager ZZ336 Y0O68 launched from Brize Norton pic.twitter.com/XlVIJGWXr2
— Mil Radar (@MIL_Radar) November 28, 2020
1225z: Russian aircraft now heading back north east after operating in international airspace off the coast of Scotland for approx 3 hours shadowed by RAF QRA Typhoons and Voyager pic.twitter.com/v1qS7FY9HT
— Mil Radar (@MIL_Radar) November 28, 2020
Press:
Metro: RAF scramble Typhoon jets to stop two Russian planes near UK airspace
i News: RAF jets scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft over the North Sea
Date: Thursday 17th September 2020
Time: Lunchtime
Station: North (RAF Lossiemouth) Flying from RAF Leuchars
Target: 2x Russian TU-142F “Bear”
Q1: [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Q2: [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Tanker: “W8R64” ZZ336 [Airbus Voyager KC3] of RAF Brize Norton UK (VIP “Vespina”)
AWACS: “NATO01” (Re-tasked) LX-N90452 [E3 Sentry] of Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany
Target Originated from: Likely Mainland Russia
Reason: Around Lunchtime Typhoons and tankers scrambled, targets were identified as Bears. The UK QRA lasted all afternoon and was eventually handed to the Royal Norwegian Air Force. It was the third QRA in 6 days for the North Station, all against Russian Aircraft. You can theorise as to the reasons, obviously QRA North is being flown from Leuchars, they may be wanting to test scramble times, to see if they are less efficient. But also the Navy are gearing up for GroupEx & Joint Warrior beyond that so are starting to gather in those areas, being as two of the three QRA’s were for Russian Submarine hunting aircraft they could be collecting intelligence on Submarines gathering for these exercises from the NATO Nations. Of course this is entirely speculative and it could easily be testing a new sensor, training new pilots or just, well, “because.”
Official Words:
3️⃣ Quick Reaction Alert scrambles over the space of 6️⃣ days… it’s been busy for #TeamLossie 💪
But we’re always ready to scramble at a moment’s notice, #SecuringTheSkies of the UK 🇬🇧
Today we intercepted & shadowed 2 Russian Tu-142 Bear Fs.
Here’s the lowdown 👇
1/#QRA pic.twitter.com/c1K1lj8uS7— RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth) September 17, 2020
Chatter:
17 SEP 1110z: Royal Air Force QRA Voyager ZZ336 W8R64 launched from Brize Norton pic.twitter.com/wHhHFQL2Z8
— Mil Radar (@MIL_Radar) September 17, 2020
Press:
Date: Monday 14th September 2020
Time: Late Morning
Station: North (RAF Lossiemouth) Flying from RAF Leuchars
Target: 2x Russian Tu-160 Bombers, NATO Codename: “Blackjacks”
Q1: [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Q2: [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Tanker: “G8N62” ZZ336 [Airbus Voyager KC3] of RAF Brize Norton UK (VIP “Vespina”)
AWACS: “NATO06” (Re-tasked) LX-N90450 [E3 Sentry] of Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany
Target Originated from: Likely Mainland Russia
Reason: At 0934z Norwegian QRA F-16’s Scrambled from Bodø, Norway with instructions to fly North and climb FL360. Before long LX-N90450 a NATO E3 from Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany under callsign “NATO06” that was in the area anyway was tasked North to join the party. The Norwegians visually identified the Targets and as they continued to fly South QRA North (UK) then scrambled RAF Leuchars with the usual Tanker support, as Typhoons got to the area the Targets turned back North.
Official Words:
🚨 Quick Reaction Alert Typhoons were scrambled today from their temporary base at Leuchars Station in Fife.
✈️ This was in response to Russian military aircraft operating in international airspace, but within @NATO‘s Air Policing Area.
Here’s what you need to know 👇
1/#QRA pic.twitter.com/6oOAA8fLC6
— RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth) September 14, 2020
Chatter:
1033z: Royal Air Force QRA Voyager ZZ336 callsign G8N62 heading North pic.twitter.com/kBY80uFGAu
— Mil Radar (@MIL_Radar) September 14, 2020
1045z: Royal Air Force QRA Tyohoons launched from Leuchars
— Mil Radar (@MIL_Radar) September 14, 2020
Press: The Herald: The RAF confirm that Voyager was scrambled in response to Russian ‘bomber’ jets
Date: Saturday 12th September 2020
Time: Mid Afternoon
Station: North (RAF Lossiemouth) Flying from RAF Leuchars
Target: 2 Russian TU-142F “Bear”
Q1: “1AJ12” [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Q2: “1AJ13” [Typhoon FGR4] of RAF Lossiemouth (QRA North Station)
Tanker: “R7X64” ZZ330 [Airbus Voyager KC3] of RAF Brize Norton UK flown out of RAF Mildenhall
Designated Airport/QRA Location: East Coast of Scotland
Target Originated from: Probably Mainland Russia
Reason: 2 Russian TU-142F NATO Codename “Bear” entered the UK area of interest East of Scotland. The specific F variant being an anti-submarine platform. Aircraft were tasked to shadow, report and photograph the aircraft. They did not enter UK Sovereign territory. Only unusual from the perspective that Lossiemouth was closed for Runway works so the Typhoons launched from Kinloss as their reserve station and RAF Brize Norton was closed for Runway Repairs so the tanker got airborne from RAF Mildenhall.
Official Words:
#TeamLossie has had a busy Saturday!
🚨 We were scrambled earlier this morning as two Russian Tu-142 Bear F aircraft approached UK airspace. It was a rather unusual scramble for the @RoyalAirForce, and we’re going to tell you all about it…
1/ #QRA pic.twitter.com/PKaD3lcBpj
— RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth) September 12, 2020
Chatter:
✈️RAF 🇬🇧
Voyager
ZZ330 MDS712
Currently on QRA duties. Setting up an A2A position off the Scottish coast. pic.twitter.com/ibAFxZWtIF— Intel Air & Sea (@air_intel) September 12, 2020
Press:
Date: Sunday 30th August 2020
Time: Evening
Station: South (RAF Coningsby)
Target: “FR7364/RYR8WG” (Ryanair) OE-LMB [Airbus A320 232] of Laudamotion of Austria
Q1: “3EW36” ZK319 [Typhoon FGR4] from RAF Coningsby (QRA South Station)
Q2: “3EW37” ZK369 [Typhoon FGR4] from RAF Coningsby (QRA South Station)
Tanker: “3VK66” ZZ332 [Airbus Voyager KC3] from RAF Brize Norton UK
Designated Airport: London Stansted, UK
Target Originated from: Vienna International Airport, Austria
Reason: It has been widely reported that suspicious items were found in a toilet onboard the flight. Typhoons were scrambled from RAF Coningsby to CAP over London Stansted Airport as the aircraft came in. It sounds like Stansted was its destination anyway. The aircraft landed and was escorted to a remote area on the airfield where the armed police surrounded the aircraft as per procedure. Two men, a 34-year-old man from Kuwait and a 48-year-old man from Italy were detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act (2000) which is basically legislation giving officers power to stop, search, detain and establish the circumstances surrounding their presence on the flight rather than outlining any specific suspected offences.
Official Words: Essex Police: “Counter Terrorism Policing officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit have this evening (Sunday) detained two men under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act (2000). Enquiries are ongoing.” LINK
RAF spokesperson: “Typhoon fighter aircraft from RAF Coningsby were launched this evening (Sunday) to intercept a civilian aircraft. The aircraft was escorted safely to Stansted.”
Another successful mission by our colleagues at @RAFConingsby.
We stand ready in our enduring mission of #SecuringTheSkies of the UK 🇬🇧
Every minute
Of every hour
Of every dayhttps://t.co/ypwHF0LrvM— RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth) August 30, 2020
Chatter:
#BreakingNews – a Lauda Airbus A320 has been escorted into @STN_Airport by @RoyalAirForce Typhoons. The reason is yet to be known.
The aircraft (pictured) is on the ground safely but the doors are yet to be opened.#AvGeek pic.twitter.com/qtVrfBKgSX
— Thomas Saunders (@thomas379) August 30, 2020
30 AUG 1800z: Royal Air Force QRA Typhoons launched from Coningsby pic.twitter.com/6uREkbzCJM
— Mil Radar (@MIL_Radar) August 30, 2020
“RAF Typhoons have been scrambled from RAF Coningsby on a QRA. A RAF KC3 has also been launched from Brize Norton.”

Ryanair #FR7364 OE-LMB from Vienna to London Stansted triggered due to suspicious objects discovered in a lavatory.@ADSBexchange track https://t.co/RbZizgs7cY https://t.co/dpt1rA55Zt pic.twitter.com/B6DdoILDsC— COTAM Fleet & co 👀 ADSB (@CotamFleet) August 30, 2020
Press:
Sky News: “Two men held under Terrorism Act after Typhoon jets intercept passenger plane “
Mirror: “Stansted incident: RAF jets scrambled and police called ‘as men taken off Ryanair plane'”
2 RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Ryanair flight that landed at Stansted Airport this evening, after ‘suspicious objects’ were found in onboard toilet, MailOnline reports.
Image: Karl Leach – shows the jets refuelling over #Solihull https://t.co/XSxBsFPpwk pic.twitter.com/RLynDew6Gt
— Solihull Updates (@SolihullUpdates) August 30, 2020