On December 10 Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons launched on an air defense QRA (quick reaction alert) scramble for the first time armed with the MBDA Meteor long-range air-to-air missile. The Typhoons were launched from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland to intercept Russian aircraft approaching UK airspace, believed to be the pair of Tupolev Tu-160 "Blackjack" strategic bombers that were undertaking a high-profile deployment to Venezuela and that had earlier been intercepted and escorted by F-16s of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, commented, “RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters are now armed with the most advanced air-to-air missile in the world. [Meteor is] another huge leap forward in capability for the Typhoon Force, which is proud to continue defending the UK and our allies, 24/7.” He went on to note that Meteor will eventually operate from the F-35 Lightning. “Crucially, the Meteor and launch aircraft will be networked by a datalink.”
