British jets intercepted a Russian maritime patrol aircraft after it repeatedly approached Britain's carrier strike group in the Norwegian Sea.

The U.K. has sent one of its two aircraft carriers to support rapid deployment teams.

British planes intercepted the two Russian jets as they barrelled towards the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier last week, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the operation

"This activity was unsafe and unprofessional," a U.K. Defense Ministry spokesperson said.