RAF

MoD Release Images Of Latest Russian Aircraft Intercept

RAF Typhoon jets deployed as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission intercepted two unknown aircraft on a mission over the Baltic Sea.

This was one of a number of recent intercepts the RAF have conducted against Russian planes in recent times. Yesterday's Typhoon's were scrambled from Amari air base in Estonia to intercept aircraft approaching Baltic airspace without sharing a flight plan.

The first aircraft was identified as a Il-20M ‘Coot’ A surveillance aircraft, which they shadowed for a period. The Typhoons were then re-tasked to check out a second unidentified aircraft, which was identified as an An-26 ‘Curl’ transport plane flying north from Kaliningrad.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon had this to say of the Russian intercepts:

"The interception of Russian military aircraft by our RAF Typhoon fighters underlines our commitment to NATO and the security of the Baltic region. RAF air and ground crew are doing vital work to defend the skies above and around the Baltic States and I look forward to seeing that work first hand in the near future."