RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept a Russian spy plane flying close to UK air space.
The Tu-142 aircraft – known as a Bear-F – flew in international airspace over the Norwegian Sea and North Atlantic Ocean north of Scotland on Sunday.
At no point did the Russian aircraft enter UK air space, the RAF said.
Pictures showed the moment the Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled to intercept the Russian Bear.
The jets shadowed the Russian aircraft closely while keeping an eye on their movements.
Bear planes are used in anti-submarine and maritime patrol missions.
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The RAF said Norway also launched a F-35A fighter as part of Nato's response to monitor the plane.
One of the Typhoon pilots said the "scramble demonstrated the close working relationships we have with our Nato colleagues".
"After scrambling to intercept the Russian aircraft, we were in close contact with RAF Battlespace Managers, who directed us towards the aircraft and relayed orders throughout, ensuring we could confirm where they were and what they were doing at all times," they added.
An RAF spokesperson said air to air refuelling support was provided by RAF Brize Norton, and RAF High Wycombe and RAF Boulmer also assisted with the operation.
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It comes weeks after a Russian spy plane and two fighter jets were sent packing by RAF and German Typhoons protecting the eastern flank of Nato’s border, near Estonia.
On April 14, fighter jets from the RAF’s IX Squadron and the German Air Force’s 71 "Richtofen" Wing were scrambled to intercept the unidentified planes.
One of the planes was later identified as a Russian Air Force Il-20 Coot-A intelligence aircraft transiting from mainland Russian to the Kaliningrad enclave.
It was met by two Russian Su-27 Flanker-B fighter jets, which escorted the spy plane through the north-west area of the Estonian region.
A pilot involved in the operation said: "We often see Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea and so this was a routine intercept for us.
"Nevertheless, the importance of intercepting these aircraft and our commitment to the collective defence of Nato airspace remains steadfast and resolute.
"What this intercept has proven is that together with our German allies, we are able to act with speed and decisiveness to effectively ensure the Alliance’s security."
It was earlier revealed a British spy plane narrowly avoided being shot down by a Russian missile that malfunctioned.
The Russian jet was flying above the Black Sea when its pilot believed he had permission to fire, according to the secret US intelligence report.
The pilot then locked on to the spy plane and launched a missile.
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Fortunately the missile malfunctioned and a potentially catastrophic incident was averted on September 29 last year.
The Ministry of Defence denied the account of the incident revealed in the documents.
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