A joint operation saw the RAF and the Germain air force scramble pilots to intercept a Russian aircraft on Tuesday (March 14). The "routine interception" was made after the Russian plane flew close to Estonian airspace.
The Russian air-to-air refuelling aircraft failed to communicate with Estonian air traffic control. It resulted in the RAF and German air force sending Typhoon jets to the area as part of a Nato response.
It is the first time that British pilots are conducting joint air policing missions in Estonia alongside the German air force. The UK i currently preparing to take over from Germany to lead the Nato mission in Estonia, which borders Russia.
Armed forces minister James Heappey said: “Nato continues to form the bedrock of our collective security. This joint UK and German deployment in the Baltics clearly demonstrates our collective resolve to challenge any potential threat to Nato’s borders, whilst demonstrating our combined strength.”
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A Typhoon pilot from the RAF’s IX(Bomber) Squadron, who was not named by the Ministry of Defence, said: “We were scrambled to intercept an aircraft that was approaching Estonian airspace. We identified and monitored it as it transited close to Nato airspace.
“Any aircraft that are not communicating with Air Traffic Control or on a recognised flight plan will be intercepted by us to ensure we know who they are and maintain flight safety for all airspace users. As a fighter pilot this was a routine business, even though I was flying alongside a German colleague.
“It is clear that all of our training and hard work paid off as we seamlessly operated together.”
The routine interception came after a Russian fighter jet struck the propeller of a US surveillance drove over the Black Sea. The US called it a “brazen violation of international law”. It forced the US to bring down the drone.
