Image captures moment RAF fighter jets intercept Russian military aircraft
RAF fighter jets have been scrambled for a third time in days to intercept three Russian military aircraft flying close to Nato airspace.
The RAF's Typhoon aircraft were launched after a Russian Tu-134, known by the Nato reporting name 'Crusty', and two Su-27 Flanker Bs failed to comply with international norms, by not liaising with regional airspace control agencies, the RAF said.
The RAF fighters, currently deployed to Amari Airbase in Estonia on Nato's Baltic Air Policing mission carried out the task, in what the RAF is calling a "routine intercept".
All Russian aircraft remained in international airspace, the RAF added.
The RAF believes it to be the same Tu-134 aircraft which was intercepted on 21 June 2023 and was returning from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad Oblast.
The Crusty, liveried with the emblem of the Russian Baltic Fleet Commander, was escorted by the two Flanker Bs.
In April 2023, the Royal Air Force took command of the Nato Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia, providing a Quick Reaction Alert force.
Quick Reaction Alert, known as QRA, is a state of readiness and modus operandi of air defence maintained at all times by Nato allies.
This means Royal Air Force crews are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and ready to react at a moment's notice to reach a threat within minutes, no matter the location within or just outside the UK's airspace, defending the skies seamlessly, day and night.
The Typhoons based in Estonia are responsible for patrolling the eastern border of Nato and responding to any potential threats in the same way they do when conducting QRA over the UK.
Earlier this month, RAF jets scrambled to intercept multiple Russian aircraft twice in less than 24 hours.
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