article_snippet: On that occasion, RAF pilots flying Typhoon jets easily caught up with two propeller-driven Bear bombers and directed RAF pilots flying Typhoon jets crews away from UK airspace.
article_snippet: Experts say it is now more than a match for any UK aircraft, including the Typhoon, which is used to protect British airspace.
article_snippet: There is simply no British aircraft of British calibre or purpose.
article_snippet: One, Monchegorsk air base near Murmansk, northern Russia, is just 1,000 miles from the British Isles.
article_snippet: An RAF Typhoon aircraft from Number XI Squadron shadows a Russian Bear-H aircraft (file picture)
article_snippet: An MoD spokesman said: ‘The primary role of the Royal Air Force is to defend the UK.
article_snippet: RAF Typhoon fighters will continue to routinely intercept, identify and escort Russian aircraft that travel through international airspace within the UK’s area of interest.
highlights_snippet: Last month Russian Bear aircraft were spotted on sorties near Cornwall .
  
highlights_snippet: Russian Bear aircraft has a range of 7,600 miles without refuelling .