The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon jets, which are operating as part of Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission, have intercepted a Russian Military aircraft near Baltic airspace.
According to the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), the jets identified and escorted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft that was flying in international airspace until it departed the area.
UK Defence secretary Michael Fallon said: "Air interceptions like this underline the vital importance of the UK’s contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission."
The UK’s role in the protection of Nato airspace and the involvement of our personnel in the Estonian exercise currently taking place demonstrate our commitment to Nato’s collective defence and the value of our armed forces’ expertise in improving the military capabilities of our allies."
As part of Nato assurances to Baltic States, 175 UK personnel and two other RAF jets have joined Estonia’s largest military exercise, Steadfast Javelin, which includes participants from the US, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Holland and Latvia.
The UK has deployed four RAF Typhoons to Amari airbase in Estonia. These jets are operating alongside Norwegian aircraft between May and August this year to secure Nato’s airspace over the Baltic nations of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
In January this year, two RAF Typhoon fighters intercepted two Russian Tu-95 Bear long-range bombers that were flying in international airspace near the UK.
Image: A flight over Tallinn City by two RAF Typhoons from 6 Squadron on Nato’s Baltic Air Policing Patrol. Photo: courtesy of the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
