RAF scrambled monthly for Russian incursions

[AndyDT]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1324147/RAF-jets-scrambled-twice-week-intercept-Russian-nuclear-bombers.html#comments

Every month since 2006 allegedly.

Why aren't these planes being shot down? Would the US airforce tolerate this?

[El Barto]

For one thing,  no state of war exists between your country and theirs.  Another, the report said "near" UK airspace.  That'd be like shooting a guy because he looked menacing and was walking towards my house.

And yes, the USA and Russia both tolerate it.  Once or twice a month seems about right, from what I understand.  Fairly regular occurrence. They wave at each other, take a couple of pictures, exchange pleasantries, then head their separate ways.  

[AndyDT]

And the US would respond amiably to a Tupolev brushing up against the eastern seaboard?

[El Barto]

Sure.  They'd intercept to make sure there was no actual incursion and that he wasn't fixing to launch Kitchens all hell over the place.  After that, they'd wave, chit-chat, take some pictures, and send him on his way.  This sort of thing really does happen all the time.  

There are also Typhoons and Delta IVs off of both coasts as well.  They're also occasionally intercepted (much, much harder to detect a boomer).  They try to avoid US attack boats, and the LA skippers try to stalk them.  It's basically a respectful game of cat and mouse that they both use as practical exercise.  The only harm that actually comes of it are the occasional collisions that pop up from submarine tactics.