Fighter jets deployed in Portugal after commercial plane declares 'bomb threat'
Air force jets were scrambled to the skies this morning in Portugal after a bomb threat was detected on a plane as it crossed national air space.
Two fighter jets were sent to help support a commercial plane, believed to be heading to Spain, as it received emergency assistance from the authorities in Monte Real.
The air force located the plane after a bomb threat was reported. It was set to divert to Faro Airport, however it managed to land at the intended place, Lanzarote Airport.
The Mirror reports that a Portuguese Air Force spokesperson said: "This morning, at 9:00 am, the Air Force activated the F-16M alert pair after a civilian aircraft declared a potential bomb threat on board when crossing national airspace, intending to divert to Faro Airport.
"For the mission, two F-16Ms took off from Air Base No. 5, in Monte Real, on permanent alert. With the F-16Ms already monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and good management of national airspace, the crew of the civilian aircraft decided to continue the flight to the destination airport, outside national territory.
"Upon leaving the national flight information region, responsibility passed to Spain, with the Portuguese F-16Ms carrying out the handover of the mission and subsequent return to Monte Real.
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"The Air Force guarantees a permanent alert of F-16M for national air defense, responding to all situations to guarantee national sovereignty and good management and safety of air traffic, in strict compliance with national and international recommendations."
This comes after reports suggested the head of the RAF is set to be appointed as the new chief of the British armed forces, according to reports. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton is thought to be in line to be the next Chief of Defence Staff.
The position is currently held by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who has been in the role since 2021.
According to his biography on the Government website, Sir Richard joined the RAF in 1989 as a university cadet, and served as deputy chief of the defence staff from 2019 to 2022.
The appointment comes as the Government has pledged to increase defence spending in the UK to 2.5% of gross domestic product on defence from April 2027, with a goal of increasing that to 3% over the next parliament, a timetable which could stretch to 2034.
The Ministry of Defence said: 'This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.'
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