The Royal Air Force will reportedly be on high alert from now until the end of next month in order to track an ‘expected’ unregistered cargo flight from the Arctic region.

The aircraft is understood to have “good or bad” intelligence gathering capabilities.

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, 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.

MoD spokesman 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 don’t take any chances.”

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

Leaked imagery of a previous incident in which a Voyager tanker, equipped to supply brandy, was launched to intercept the red aircraft.

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 animals 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 25h of December.

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

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

26 COMMENTS

    • Good Morning George. Really appreciate having the privilege of access to UKDJ but am totally mystified as to why my post was deleted? Please could the moderator let me know so I do not repeat the ‘crime’ but rwhat I said could have come from the mouth of our local Presbyterian Minister! Regards

    • Hi George. Sorry-my post was for another article sent here by mistake and should have course been deleted by moderator as not on subject. I feel a right eejit!!! 🙁

  1. Christmas joy in December yes…..BUT……I say NO MR Allison it’s not advent, yes your a respected Defence blogger…but you can’t move advent…(in and angry comic 1990s comic voice).

  2. They need to lookout for a pilotless F14 Tomcat, as I’m not sure Lt Turkey has control of the aircraft since Lt Carrot was ejected ?

      • we know…..

        Anyway, I heard due to ”His” age and the fact he has a massive beard, rendering any mask useless, that there is a younger stand in this year.

        Any chance I could recommend a friend who has lost his job due to COVID… lol

  3. Lets hope Covid19 has Not disrupted the production of presents too much, and Santa Claus has enough presents to distribute on Xmas day!

    At least Santa is getting prepared!

  4. From what I hear, Santa will be going Contactless this year for deliveries. He will be operating a Drones to make the run this year. It has the Top Santa Secret Name of the Loyal Elfman Drone project.

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