RAF prepares for attack by Russia with biggest air defence exercise in 30 years

RAF prepares for attack by Russia with biggest air defence exercise in 30 years:
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has launched its biggest defence exercise since the Cold War over the UK's skies in preparation for a mass enemy air attack on the country.

More than 30 aircraft participated in the drill, including 20 Typhoons and Tornado bombers and ED-3, AWACS, Sentinel and Shadow surveillance jets. The defence war game lasted for a day and took place over the northeast of England earlier this month.

The exercise, called Rising Panther, has been perceived by experts as a reaction to Russia's increasing military provocation.

Tupolev Tu-95 planes – nicknamed "Bear" – are strategic bombers that can be armed with cruise missiles (Reuters)

In January 2015, two Russian Tupolev Tu-95s were intercepted close to UK airspace by the RAF, causing disruption to civil aviation. It was the second time in three months that the Russian giant bombers were intercepted by the RAF.

President Vladimir Putin has bolstered Russia's defence spending by 33% this year, the equivalent of 4.2% of GDP, making it the country's highest defence budget ever.