RAF fighters have scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft probing NATO airspace 21 times in just 21 days. The fast response Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters have been operating out of Estonia on secondment to the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.
Today the Ministry of Defence released footage of the aircraft intercepting Russian fighters and bombers. The RAF said the planes which they came up against included fighter aircraft Su-27M Flanker B, Su-30SM Flanker H), VIP and other transport aircraft , the Tu-134 Crusty, An-72 Coaler, An-12 Cuub, intelligence collection aircraft the Il-20 Coot A) and long-range bomber Tu-22M Backfire.
Watch the video above to see the RAF jets in action.
The Typhoons, from RAF Lossiemouth-based number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, have been operating out of Amari Air Base since March as part of the UK’s leading contribution to NATO. When the jets and crew conduct Quick Reaction Alert activity, they maintain a constant high readiness to ensure they can get airborne at a moment’s notice.
Baltic air policing is currently delivered by the RAF, based in Estonia, alongside the Portuguese and Romanian Air Forces based in Lithuania. The RAF Typhoons launch to monitor the Russian aircraft when they do not talk to air traffic agencies, making them a flight safety hazard.
Defence Secretary Ben 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 Typhoon Squadron is supported by 100 RAF personnel deployed as part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), which enables the flying activities of the squadron. 140 EAW’s Commanding Officer Wing Commander Scott Maccoll 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. Working closely with our NATO allies has also improved interoperability across the alliance and bolstered regional security on NATO’s eastern flank.”
The RAF will continue to conduct NATO’s Air Policing Mission in Estonia with 1 (F) Sqn Typhoons until August, when they will hand over to the Spanish Air Force.
