DRAMATIC pictures have captured the moment military jets flew in formation over the North East skies - as it sparked a social media frenzy.

The incredible scenes were captured by an aviation photographer as several flights for the US Air Force made their way over the region earlier this week. 

The monstrous Boeing KC-135 and a fleet of F-15e eagles had been spotted at around 27,000 ft as pictures from NCLAirPics captured the jets over Newcastle.

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Reports suggested the formation of jets had been making their way from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and had been headed towards the Atlantic Ocean.

The Northern Echo: The scene over the North East's skies earlier this week Picture: NCLAIRPICS/TWITTERThe scene over the North East's skies earlier this week Picture: NCLAIRPICS/TWITTER

Although data from FlightRadar24 only appeared to show the Boeing KC-135 in progress as the other aircraft appeared incognito.

It is not known what role they were carrying out as they made their way over the region but the flight activity comes amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In recent weeks, aircraft from the UK and US have been spotted delivering aid to the Poland/Ukraine border.

The Northern Echo: The scene over the North East's skies earlier this week Picture: NCLAIRPICS/TWITTERThe scene over the North East's skies earlier this week Picture: NCLAIRPICS/TWITTER

On social media, many shared their excitement and amazement at the extremely rare sight with some likening it to a scene from the popular film "Independence Day."

One person tweeted: "Like something from Independence Day with that extremely bad boy #WillSmith."

The 1996 film features Will Smith and shows the world's efforts to overcome an alien invasion. 

In one scene, dozens of fighter aircraft are spotted flying in formation ahead of an attack.

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