The Royal Air Force will be on high alert from now until the 25th of December to track an unregistered cargo flight from the Arctic region.

The aircraft is understood to have behavioural intelligence-gathering capabilities of the type that can sort British citizens into a ‘list’, determining their behaviour over the last year.

The move has been prompted by an incident around a year ago in which Typhoon aircraft escorted a Lapland-registered aircraft over the UK’s major cities early on the morning of the 25th.

The pilot of the craft was said to be under the influence of alcohol and very “festive”; this is especially dangerous due to the sheer volume of cargo the aircraft was carrying.

Ministry of Defence spokesman C. Cringle had this to say:

“Interception is part of what the QRA force do. We have to identify and confirm who or what is flying through our airspace or approaching our airspace and since the craft appears at the same time each year, we have a fairly good idea who will be flying but we donโ€™t take any chances.”

This is expected to happen again towards the end of next month from the 24th through to the 25th.

The Ministry of Defence previously used satellites with infrared sensors to track the aircraft last time this happened, it is understood that the heat from an animal’s red nose was clearly visible and it was at this point RAF aircraft began escorting the jet over every British city, town and village.

More on this as it develops. We expect more updates on the 25th of December.

Everyone could use a bit of festive cheer, we hope this article has given you some of that.


At the UK Defence Journal, we aim to deliver accurate and timely news on defence matters. We rely on the support of readers like you to maintain our independence and high-quality journalism. Please consider making a one-off donation to help us continue our work. Click here to donate. Thank you for your support!

George Allison
George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison

23 COMMENTS

  1. Our annual gift from the Tally-ho lads of the QRA George. Long may the tradition continue. All the best from your South African correspondent(putting up our tree tomorrow!)
    Cheers
    Geoff

  2. Sinisterly, Boots the Chemist’s have taken over this Hostile Intelligence Gathering escapade..according to the adverts.

  3. I think it’s poor that a Typhoon is used.
    Santas Slay and the Reindeer must be able to hover to allow access to many places….Typhoon can not.
    A TR3B would be a much better fit. Silent. Chameleon skin, hovers. Doubts as to it’s existence….a perfect Santa escort!
    Am I over thinking this….๐Ÿคช

  4. Having carried out many decades of research into the motive power for this aircraft, I heartily recommend two power plants per each Tempest. They only require grass and lichens fuel, how green is that! Keeps the planet safe and green at the same time!

  5. A refueling tanker would be the best escort, water for the reindeer, brandy or whisky for the pilot. A typhoon can’t provide that.

  6. If they should accidentally shoot the intruder down I have to advise from experience in Sweden that reindeer steak tastes lovely…

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here