Incredible pictures emerge of RAF pilots intercepting Russian bomber 'heading for UK'

THIS is the moment a Russian Blackjack bomber capable of carrying 16 nuclear missiles was intercepted by two RAF Typhoons as it headed for UK airspace.

   GOTCHA: The brave British pilots intercepted the Russian bomber

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the two jets were sent from RAF Cosingby in Lincolnshire. 

The Typhoons escorted the bomber south across the North Sea yesterday. 

   CLOSE: The Russian bomber was reportedly heading for UK airspace

   IN ACTION: An RAF Typhoon fighter jet

They are part of the UK's Quick Reaction Alert protecting British airspace – covering a 12 mile radius out from the coastline.

It is the latest in a string of close approaches by Russian jets to UK airspace in recent months.

Tensions have heightened between Moscow and the West since the Ukraine crisis and the ongoing conflict in Syria.

There were 524 instances of NATO aircraft intercepting foreign jets in 2014 – four times the number recorded in the previous year.

RAF Typhoons have been involved in the campaign against ISIS in Syria.