The UK Ministry of Defence says two F-35 jets are dispatched to intercept and escort a Russian patrol aircraft near the UK carrier strike group. According to the MoD, the intercept follows the presence of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and its surrounding operations. Multiple outlets report that the Russian aircraft involved is a Bear-F (Tu-95) bomber/patrol plane. The MoD states that the jets take off from the carrier to monitor the aircraft and ensure it departs the area. The Evening Standard also reports that the Bear-F plane drops several buoys into the water near the carrier. This activity is presented as part of the plane’s patrol operations while operating in the vicinity of the UK force. The reports describe a coordinated response by UK aircrew to maintain awareness and manage the interaction with the approaching or operating aircraft. All accounts attribute the details to the MoD and focus on the interception, the location near HMS Prince of Wales, and the reported buoy-drop activity.