RAF Typhoon fighter jets scramble six times to intercept 21 Russian military aircraft in 21 days

RAF Typhoon fighter jets have scrambled six times to intercept 21 Russian aircraft probing Nato airspace over a 21-day period.

Based out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia, the RAF detachment is responsible for Quick Reaction Alert and maintaining a constant high readiness to ensure they can get airborne at a moment's notice.

The RAF says that in the last three weeks, its crews have been especially busy, intercepting multiple Russian military aircraft.

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RAF jets have intercepted Russian fighter aircraft including (Su-27M Flanker B, Su-30SM Flanker H), VIP and other transport aircraft (Tu-134 Crusty, An-72 Coaler, An-12 Cub), intelligence collection aircraft (Il-20 Coot A) and long-range bombers (Tu-22M Backfire).

It is the job of the RAF crews to launch and monitor the Russian aircraft when they do not communicate with air traffic agencies, which the RAF says makes them a flight safety hazard.

The Typhoons are from RAF Lossiemouth-based number 1 (Fighter) Squadron and have been operating out of Ämari Air Base since March – as part of the UK's leading contribution to Nato's Baltic Air Policing mission – known as Operation Azotize.

The overall air policing is being delivered by the RAF, alongside the Portuguese and Romanian air forces based in Lithuania.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "These intercepts are a stark reminder of the value of collective defence and deterrence provided by Nato.

"The RAF has operated alongside our allies over the last three weeks to ensure both member states and our partner nations are protected, and they can be assured of our ongoing commitment to strengthening European security alongside those who share our values."

The Typhoon squadron is supported by 100 RAF personnel deployed as part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), which enables the flying activities of the squadron.

While deployed to Estonia, the RAF has also taken part in a number of major exercises with Nato allies, including Exercise Air Defender, the largest Nato air deployment exercise since the end of the Cold War, with more than 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel taking part from 25 nations.

Wing Commander Scott Maccoll, Commanding Officer of 140 EAW, said: "The number of recent intercepts that we have conducted from Ämari Air Base in Estonia demonstrates the importance that our mission serves here in the Baltics."

He went on to say that, "throughout our Nato Air Policing Mission, 140 EAW has acted decisively and legitimately to uphold international law, protect democratic freedoms, and ensure the safety of all aircraft transiting throughout the airspace of member states".

The RAF crews will continue to conduct Nato's Air Policing Mission in Estonia until August when they are due to hand over to the Spanish Air Force.