RAF Voyager tankers and Typhoon jets scramble for Arctic

Royal Air Force Voyager tanker aircraft and Typhoon jets have been deployed in support of an inbound cargo aircraft over the Arctic, the UK Defence Journal understands.

Two Voyager aircraft are refuelling the cargo aircraft during an exceptionally long-range flight, while Typhoon fighters have scrambled to provide escort as the aircraft continues its journey towards the UK. A source said that a significant proportion of goods arriving in the UK over the course of December are being carried by this single aircraft, prompting extensive measures to ensure it reaches its destination safely.

The aircraft is understood to have departed the Arctic heavily laden, leading to increased fuel consumption during take-off and the early stages of flight. As a result, an air-to-air refuelling operation was conducted inside the Arctic Circle after the aircraft declared an emergency. The Ministry of Defence is understood to have used satellites equipped with infrared sensors to track the aircraft, with the heat signature from an animal’s red nose clearly visible.

Voyager, the RAF designation for the Airbus A330 MRTT, entered service in 2013. The UK operates a fleet of 14 Voyager aircraft, five of which are leased for commercial use when not required for military operations. In addition to fuel, it is understood that Voyager crews also transferred biscuits and a substantial quantity of brandy during the refuelling operation.

The mission, involving cooperation between Western and Russian forces, is being referred to as Operation RED. Alongside the tanker support, Typhoon jets from RAF Lossiemouth have been scrambled to escort the cargo aircraft as it proceeds south, remaining with it for the remainder of the flight. The Typhoon escort is expected to accompany the aircraft as it transits UK airspace later tonight, with the flight plan reportedly involving overflight of every British city, town and village. Clearance, however, is understood to apply only to the homes of good boys and girls.

The aircraft is expected to enter UK airspace precisely at midnight.

In support of Operation RED, the British Armed Forces have also deployed HMS Prince of Wales to northern waters, where the aircraft carrier is acting as a contingency emergency landing option should the classified cargo aircraft require it.

Speaking from NATO Maritime Command, Admiral Feliz Navidad told me:

So here it is, Merry Christmas,
Everybody’s having fun,
Look to the future now,
It’s only just begun!

Merry Christmas.