Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Russian aircraft have the RAF intercepted in the last 12 months.

I am withholding further details as deterrence is a principal function of Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) and QRA is in turn which is an integral part of the air defence of the UK. The disclosure of information that might compromise the QRA deterrent capability would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.