RAF fighter jets have intercepted Russian aircraft 21 times in just three weeks, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced on Tuesday.
He told how the British Typhoon planes, part of the Quick Reaction Alert force for the Nato Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia, were scrambled to respond to Russian aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence in London said these intercepted Russian planes included fighter aircraft (Su-27M FLANKER B, Su-30SM FLANKER H), long-range bombers (Tu-22M BACKFIRE), VIP and other transport aircraft (Tu-134 CRUSTY, An-72 COALER, An-12 CUB), and intelligence collection aircraft (Il-20 COOT A).
Mr Wallace said: “These intercepts are a stark reminder of the value of collective defence and deterrence provided by NATO.
“The RAF has operated alongside our allies over the last three weeks to ensure both member states and our partner nations are protected, and they can be assured of our ongoing commitment to strengthening European security alongside those who share our values.”
The Typhoons, from RAF Lossiemouth-based number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, have been operating out of Amari Air Base in Estonia since March as part of the UK’s contribution to Nato.
They are working alongside the Portuguese and Romanian Air Forces based in Lithuania.
The Nato planes are launched to monitor Russian aircraft when they do not talk to air traffic agencies, making them a “flight safety hazard,” according to the MoD.
Scott Maccoll, Commanding Officer of the RAF’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, said: “The number of recent intercepts that we have conducted from Amari Airbase in Estonia demonstrates the importance that our mission serves here in the Baltics.
“Throughout our Nato Air Policing Mission, 140 EAW has acted decisively and legitimately to uphold international law, protect democratic freedoms, and ensure the safety of all aircraft transiting throughout the airspace of member states.”
