Head of the RAF visits Typhoon crews on Nato mission in Poland amid CDS speculation
The head of the Royal Air Force has visited air crews taking part in a vital Nato mission in Poland.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton visited RAF personnel taking part in Operation Chessman at the 22nd Air Base in Malbork.
It comes as reports suggest that he will replace Sir Tony Radakin as Chief of the Defence Staff.
Operation Chessman sees Typhoons Quick Reaction Alert jets flying alongside Swedish Air Force Gripen jets on an enhanced air policing mission to maintain Nato's airspace security in central Europe.
Jets from RAF Lossiemouth's II (AC) Squadron, part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, deployed to Poland several weeks ago.
The mission marks the first time Sweden has deployed combat aircraft abroad since joining the alliance in 2024.
Posting about his visit on social media site X, he said: "RAF Typhoons are flying alongside Swedish Air Force Gripen conducting vital Nato air policing missions.
"It's a powerful demonstration of the strength of our alliance and the critical role it plays in deterring our adversaries.
Two Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were scrambled for the fourth time in seven days from Poland to intercept unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad.
On the last occasion, the jets were scrambled to identify two Russian Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker H aircraft flying near Nato airspace.
"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."
Join Our Newsletter
