RAF

Op Azotize: RAF Completes NATO Duties In Lithuania

Royal Air Force Typhoons have completed their final operational mission as part of a four-month deployment in Lithuania.

The 6 Squadron fighter jets from RAF Lossiemouth have formed part of 135 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), operating from Šiauliai Air Base.

Crews have now returned to the UK, flying into Kinloss Barracks.

Personnel and aircraft have been conducting Baltic Air Policing duties from the Baltic country this summer, a deployment known as Operation Azotize.

It followed last year's deployment to Estonia.

A total of one hundred and fifty Royal Air Force personnel were deployed on Op Azotize, with the task of defending NATO airspace.

Deploying on the mission at the end of April, crews in Lithuania intercepted 15 Russian military aircraft, according to Wing Commander Stu Gwinnutt, Commander of 135 Expeditionary Air Wing.

They handed over their mission to the Italian Air Force during a ceremony held at the airbase, making the Italians the lead nation for the ongoing NATO Baltic Air Policing mission.

"The deployment has been a huge success despite the ever-present risk of COVID, which we successfully navigated through sensible contingency planning," said Wg Cdr Gwinnutt.

A RAF Typhoon from 6 Sqn intercepting a Russian Coot Intelligence gathering aircraft in Lithuanian controlled international air space during Operation Azotize (Picture: RAF).

"Along with our Spanish and French partners we’ve maintained the integrity of Baltic Airspace and participated in numerous NATO maritime, land and air exercises.

"We have also conducted numerous exercises with other air forces, as well as Air Land and Air Maritime integration training.

"The deployment has also been a great experience for the personnel of 135 EAW, not only in delivering the mission but to integrate into the local community as much as possible, sampling Lithuanian culture and hospitality and to raise some much needed funds for worthwhile local charities through sporting events."

Two RAF Typhoons took part in one final exercise, joining Exercise Allied Skies to escort US Air Force B-52 bombers flying across Europe from their temporary base at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire.

The B-52 Stratofortress exercise saw the bombers from the US Bomber Task Force fly over all 30 NATO member countries to demonstrate the alliance's solidarity, increase preparedness and offer opportunities for training to enhance cooperation.

"From a Royal Air Force perspective, I'm pleased to say that we’ve finished on a high with the last week being one of our busiest, with two intercepts of a Russian COOT maritime aircraft that wasn’t complying with international air traffic regulations, and support to the US Bomber Task Force in the Baltic Region," Wg Cdr Gwinnutt added.