Russian spy plane is spotted flying above Britain

Russian spy plane is spotted flying above Britain

David Brown was in his garden in Dartmouth when a silver speck caught his eye
It turned out to be an Antonov AN-30 which is used by Russia for surveillance
The country is allowed to make two reconnaissance flights over Britain each year
It is permitted under the Treaty on Open Skies which was signed in 2002

By Scott Campbell For Mailonline

Published: 15:28 BST, 28 July 2017 | Updated: 15:51 BST, 28 July 2017

A Russian spy plane has been pictured flying a reconnaissance mission over one of Britain's top naval colleges.

The Antonov-AN30 aircraft was flying a mission under the Treaty on Open Skies which allows Russia to make routnie reconnaissance flights over Britain.

David Brown was in his garden in Dartmouth, Devon last week when a silver speck - sunlight reflecting off the plane - caught his eye.

The town is the home of Britannia Royal Naval College which trains officers to serve in the Royal Navy.

Mr Brown said: 'I was using my camera, it was a lovely sunny day and I saw the light hit it.

'I took several photos; it was about 10,000ft, going slowly. It's a propeller aircraft.Â

The Antonov-AN30 aircraft was flying a mission under the Open Skies Treaty which allows Russia to make routnie reconnaissance flights over Britain

Dartmouth is the home of Britannia Royal Naval College which trains officers to serve in the Royal Navy

'As soon as I saw it in the viewfinder, I knew it was a bit special. I used to be a bit of a plane spotter many years ago.Â

'I did some research online and it is an Antonov AN-30, they are phasing it out, a new jet will replace it soon.

'I think it was flying under the Treaty on Open Skies which came into force on January 1st, 2002 and has 34 states which are parties.

'It covers unarmed surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Russia and the UK are signatories and the Treaty is designed to enhance mutual understanding regarding military forces.'

The Russian spy plane was pictured flying low over the town of Dartmouth in Devon (stock photo)Â

Russia is allowed to make two routine reconnaissance flights over Britain each year under the 2002 agreement, which was designed to increase confidence and build bridges after the Cold War.

Relations between Britain and Russia have been poor since since the annexation of Crimea.

Quick reaction RAF Typhoons have been repeatedly scrambled as flights by Russian long-range bombers towards UK airspace have increased.

What is the Treaty on Open Skies?

The treaty - which was introduced after the Cold War allows 34 states to conduct unarmed flights over other countries.

Nations must give 72 hours notice before arriving to carry out flights and any pictures taken are shared with all treaty members.

Jack Straw, who was foreign secretary in 2002 when the treaty was signed, said: 'This is a reciprocal treaty which allows us to fly over Russia. Revoking it would heighten tensions not reduce them.'

He said the Russians had satellites they could use if they wanted to spy on British installations.