# UK Fighter Jets Ready to Intercept Spy Balloons

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/uk-fighter-jets-ready-to-intercept-spy-balloons/4121105545
- Published: 2023-02-13T22:30:34+00:00
- Author: Anthony Fox

The UK government is taking steps to ensure the safety of its airspace with the 
deployment of RAF fighter jets. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that these
planes are kept in a state of 24/7 readiness and that the government will do whatever
it takes to keep the country safe.

The Typhoon FGR4s are used by British alert forces and are stationed at RAF Lossiemouth
in Moray, north-east Scotland and at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. These fighter 
jets have a wingspan of 36ft (11m) – roughly the same size as a double-decker bus–
and are capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 at a maximum altitude of
55,000ft. The aircraft are equipped with air-to-air missiles which enable them to
engage with targets in the air and on the ground. In flight, the fighter jets can
employ infrared-guided Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles as well as Advanced
Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.

The deployment of these fighter jets comes amid reports of suspected spy balloons
entering US airspace, and subsequently being shot down. Mr Sunak has said he is 
in ‘constant touch with allies’ but could not provide further details about national
security matters. He reiterated that the government will do whatever it takes to
keep the country safe.

The deployment of RAF fighter jets is testament to the UK government’s commitment
to ensure the safety of its airspace from any threats.

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