Here are the two Russian bombers that were intercepted by RAF jets
On Thursday, the Royal Air Force (RAF) released pictures of two Russian bombers that flew into the UK's area of interest on Wednesday.
The Russian Tu-160 Blackjacks were intercepted by RAF Typhoons as they flew close to the UK's airspace.
The Tu-160 is capable of carrying a nuclear cruise missiles although there is no suggestion the two jets intercepted on Wednesday were armed with such weapons.
According to the BBC, Russian military planes have been intercepted near the UK at least six times in the past year.
The RAF jet were scrambled from an airbase in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
"We can confirm that quick reaction alert Typhoon aircraft from RAF Coningsby have intercepted two Russian Blackjack bombers and escorted them while they were in the UK area of interest," a RAF spokesperson told The Independent. "At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK territorial airspace."