UK Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets will be deployed to Iceland and Estonia to carry out Nato Air Policing next year, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced.

Four RAF Typhoon jets will return to Estonia, where they last carried out air policing in 2016.

The fighter aircraft will also patrol the airspace of Iceland for the first time next year, enabling the UK to work in close collaboration with allies to deter aerial threats to Euro Atlantic security.

The missions will provide the RAF with opportunities to test and evaluate its skills in operating in a wide range of environments.

“Four of the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft have been deployed to Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase in Romania to ensure security in the South and the Black Sea region.”

As part of the air policing missions, Nato fighter jets will be prepared to address issues and carry out operations around the clock throughout the year.

Currently, four of the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft have been deployed to Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase in Romania to ensure security in the South and the Black Sea region.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In addition, Williamson confirmed that the country will deploy 40 additional personnel to the European Union Force (EUFOR) operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Operation Althea.

As part of the mission, additional troops will join a specialist surveillance and intelligence taskforce for six months.

Williamson said: “Whilst the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) is changing, our unconditional commitment to European security remains resolute.

“Be it our continued involvement in Nato’s Air Policing or additional UK troops assisting EU-led operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, our actions send a clear message: we are committed to tackling new challenges and conventional threats alongside our longstanding allies and partners.”

The two new UK deployments demonstrate the importance of Nato and the EU working closely to support security and stability across Europe, with the UK playing a major role.