RAF Typhoon fighters deployed in Estonia as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission have intercepted Russian aircraft 21 times in the last 21 days. The Typhoons, based at RAF Lossiemouth, are in constant high readiness and quickly respond to potential threats. The interceptions include various types of Russian aircraft, and the RAF launches its jets when the Russian planes fail to communicate with air traffic agencies.
The Defence Secretary emphasizes the value of collective defence and deterrence provided by NATO. The Typhoon Squadron is supported by the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), and the RAF has participated in major exercises with NATO allies. The RAF mission in the Baltics upholds international law, protects democratic freedoms, and improves regional security. The NATO Baltic Air Policing mission was established in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and the RAF will continue the mission until August before handing it over to the Spanish Air Force.
RAF Typhoon Fighters in the Baltic Air Policing Mission
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has been at the forefront of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia, collaborating with the Portuguese and Romanian Air Forces stationed in Lithuania. The mission, established in 2014 following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, aims to provide protection and assurance to all NATO members and partner nations.
Maintaining Quick Reaction Alert Readiness
The RAF Typhoons from the number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, based at RAF Lossiemouth, have been deployed to Amari Air Base since March, ensuring a constant state of high readiness. Equipped with Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) capabilities, these fighter jets and their crews are prepared to take off at a moment’s notice to intercept any potential threats in the region.
Recent Scrambles: Intercepting Russian Aircraft
Over the past three weeks, the RAF Typhoons have been exceptionally busy, responding to Russian aircraft on 21 separate occasions. These interceptions have included various types of aircraft, such as fighter jets like the Su-27M FLANKER B and Su-30SM FLANKER H, VIP and transport aircraft like the Tu-134 CRUSTY, An-72 COALER, and An-12 CUB, intelligence collection aircraft such as the Il-20 COOT A, and long-range bombers like the Tu-22M BACKFIRE.
Flight Safety Hazard: Monitoring Unresponsive Russian Aircraft
The RAF Typhoons are frequently launched to monitor Russian aircraft that fail to communicate with air traffic agencies. These unresponsive aircraft pose a flight safety hazard and must be closely monitored to ensure the safety and security of the region.
Significance of Collective Defence and Deterrence
The interceptions carried out by the RAF Typhoons underscore the importance of collective defence and deterrence provided by NATO. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace emphasizes the value of the RAF’s collaboration with allies in protecting member states and partner nations, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen European security alongside those who share common values.
Supporting the Typhoon Squadron: 140 Expeditionary Air Wing
The Typhoon Squadron stationed at Amari Air Base is backed by 100 RAF personnel deployed as part of the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW). The EAW plays a crucial role in enabling the flying activities of the squadron, ensuring efficient operations and maintenance of the aircraft.
Participation in Major Exercises with NATO Allies
During their deployment to Estonia, the RAF actively participated in major exercises alongside NATO allies. Exercise Air Defender, the largest NATO Air Deployment exercise since the end of the Cold War, witnessed the involvement of over 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel from 25 nations. The RAF’s involvement in the exercise featured Typhoons from two wings: 140 EAW, stationed in Estonia, and 903 EAW, stationed in Cyprus. Additionally, aircraft like the F-35, Voyager, and A-400M from the UK were deployed.
The Importance of the RAF Mission in the Baltics
Wing Commander Scott Maccoll, the Commanding Officer of 140 EAW, emphasizes the significance of the RAF mission in the Baltics. Through the NATO Air Policing Mission, the RAF has consistently upheld international law, protected democratic freedoms, and ensured the safety of all aircraft transiting through member states’ airspace. The collaboration with NATO allies has improved interoperability and bolstered regional security on NATO’s eastern flank.
NATO Baltic Air Policing: A Response to Russian Annexation
The establishment of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia and Lithuania in 2014 was a direct response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Contributing allies rotate on a four-month basis, deploying their forces to the air bases in Eastern Europe, thereby providing protection and assurance to all NATO members and partner nations.
Continuing the Air Policing Mission
The RAF will continue to conduct the NATO Air Policing Mission in Estonia with 1 (F) Sqn Typhoons until August, after which they will hand over the responsibilities to the Spanish Air Force. This ongoing commitment ensures the maintenance of security, deterrence, and collective defence in the Baltic region, underscoring the dedication of NATO member states to safeguarding the airspace and maintaining regional stability.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
