RAF jets scrambled in six scares

[flamesong]

RAF jets scrambled in six scares
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6107690.stm

RAF fighter jets have been scrambled six times in the past year to intercept passenger planes in UK airspace.
In four cases, concerns were resolved before the jets intercepted aircraft - but two were escorted to "suitable destinations", said the government.

Armed forces minister Adam Ingram said he could not give any more details for security reasons.

In the UK four Tornado crews are ready at any time to scramble and shoot down a plane used as a terrorist weapon.

Mr Ingram was answering a Parliamentary question asked by Tory MP Desmond Swayne.

He said: "On four of those occasions the issue was safely resolved before intercept.

"On the other two occasions the civilian aircraft were safely intercepted and escorted to a suitable destination.

"I am withholding further information as details of the specific scenarios in which RAF aircraft are launched would, or would be likely to prejudice the defence of the United Kingdom."

Shooting down a plane is a last resort and would have to be ordered by the prime minister or a senior cabinet minister.

Crews have been on standby in the UK since the day after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US.