Typhoon jets from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled on Thursday evening to intercept a civilian aircraft that had lost communication with air traffic control.
The Italian aircraft was subsequently escorted by two fighters from the Moray base until it landed safely at Prestwick Airport.
Flights to other Scottish airports were delayed as a result of the incident which was described as a ‘major emergency’ by the Ministry of Defence.
An MoD spokesman said that the C-27J cargo aircraft was subsequently found to have experienced technical difficulties with its communications equipment. He said: “Typhoon aircraft were launched this evening from RAF Lossiemouth to intercept a civilian aircraft which was causing concern to air traffic control authorities.
“The aircraft was safely escorted to Prestwick airport and the local police now have the lead.”
Police Scotland later posted a message on Twitter saying that emergency services had been deployed at the Ayrshire airport “as a safety precaution” but that the aircraft had subsequently landed safely and the emergency was brought to a satisfactory conclusion.