Nato scrambles RAF Typhoons four times in seven days to intercept Russian aircraft

Two Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were scrambled for the fourth time in seven days from Poland to intercept unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad.

The jets were mobilised quickly from the 22nd Tactical Air Base in Malbork on three occasions to catch a Russian Illyushin II-20M as the aircraft left Kaliningrad airspace.

On the last occasion, Nato put the Typhoons up in the air to identify two Russian Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker H aircraft flying near Nato airspace.

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The Russian Illyushin II-20M, known by its Nato code name Coot-A, is a communication and electronic signals intelligence surveillance aircraft.

"Today's mission was to intercept and identify the unknown aircraft departing Kaliningrad airspace," an Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) spokesperson said.

"It was not communicating, nor did it file a flight plan, which is required under international law.

"Once intercepted, we escorted the aircraft to protect civilian air traffic in the immediate area, before handing it over to another pair of Nato aircraft."

Aircrew from No.II Squadron, part of 140 EAW, were conducting Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) as part of Nato's enhanced air policing when they raced into the skies.

The QRA's role is to stop unidentified civilian and military aircraft from entering Nato airspace all day every day throughout the year.

After an interception, the unknown aircraft are escorted beyond Nato airspace.

Following the threat, the Typhoons return to the base.

Operation Chessman is the UK contingent delivering the Nato air policing mission.

RAF personnel are currently deployed at Malbork Air Base and are under the command of 140 EAW.

The operation sees personnel from across the RAF deployed to Poland alongside Nato's newest member, Sweden.

Illyushin II-20M

The aircraft, which was built during the Soviet era, became operational in 1969 and is still used today.

The plane can collect, analyse and send electronic signals and images during surveillance missions in war zones and enemy states.

Moscow has used the aircraft throughout several conflicts such as the Soviet-Afghan War, Chechnya, Ukraine and Syria.

Sukhoi Su-30 (Flanker H)

The Sukhoi Su-30 is a two-seater multi-purpose fighter jet made by the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi.

The jet was first introduced in 1992 and has been used ever since.

The strike fighter jet has an autopilot option, which can be switched on from take-off to landing.