Fighter Jets Scrambled In Air Drama

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http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...225786,00.html

Mission: Passenger Plane
Updated: 14:44, Saturday June 24, 2006



Two Dutch F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Boeing 737 jet when air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane.

The plane was on its way from Bulgaria to Belfast when it failed to make radio contact with the team managing Netherlands' air space.

Defence Ministry officials said the plane was allowed to continue its flight once communications had been re-established.

The two jet fighters, based in the northern city of Leeuwarden, set off a sonic boom as they sped to intercept the Boeing above the northern Netherlands.

"To protect Dutch airspace, F-16s are ready 24/7 for these Quick Reaction Alert missions," the Defence Ministry said.

"When there is a report of an unidentified plane in Dutch airspace, the F-16s can be in the air within minutes to intercept the plane."

It was not immediately clear which airline or company was operating the flight that sparked the alert.

gd 2 c that they r ready