RAF intercepts Russian aircraft in show of NATO solidarity
The RAF has confirmed it scrambled last week to intercept Russian aircraft flying off the north coast of Estonia.
A Typhoon pilot from XI (Fighter) Squadron explained jets were ordered to scramble last Thursday (May 30th 2019) in response to two Russian SU-30 Flanker fighters and two SU-24 Fencer attack aircraft.
Their pilots remained with the Russian craft for 25 minutes during their trip from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad oblast.
The pilot added that a further intercept of a Russian AN-12 aircraft was then carried out along the same route, with all five tasks carried out in an "uneventful" and "professional" manner.
Armed Forces minister Mark Lancaster said: "Our brave RAF pilots have shown once again that we are ready to respond to any threat to the UK and its allies. Alongside our NATO allies, we must remain vigilant and aware of Russian military activity."
The Ministry of Defence states this is the fourth Quick Reaction Alert scramble to occur since the RAF was deployed as part of Baltic Air Policing in April.