RAF Typhoons scrambled twice 'within a matter of hours' to intercept Russian aircraft

RAF Typhoons in Estonia scrambled twice to intercept the same Russian Air Force Tu-214 flying in international airspace.

According to the RAF, the Russian reconnaissance aircraft was "first intercepted as it transited south from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad Oblast".

The Typhoons were then scrambled for a second time "within a matter of hours" to intercept the same Tu-214, this time escorted north by two Su-30M Flanker Hs.

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The RAF said: "This was another routine intercept for 140 EAW personnel, with the Russian aircraft remaining in international airspace.

"These intercepts rely upon support force elements from across the entirety of 140 EAW as RAF personnel continue to fulfil the UK's responsibility for securing the Baltic skies."

RAF Typhoon fighters are providing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft for the Nato Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia.

The Typhoons, from RAF Lossiemouth-based number 1 (Fighter) Squadron, have been operating out of Amari Air Base since March as part of the UK's leading contribution to Nato.

When the jets and crew conduct Quick Reaction Alert activity, they maintain a constant high readiness to ensure they can get airborne at a moment's notice.

Baltic air policing is currently delivered by the RAF, based in Estonia, alongside the Portuguese and Romanian Air Forces based in Lithuania.

June was especially busy, with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirming that "Nato had scrambled the jets six times in the last three weeks, intercepting 21 Russian aircraft in the last 21 days".

These included fighter aircraft (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).

The RAF Typhoons launch to monitor the Russian aircraft when they do not talk to air traffic agencies, making them a flight safety hazard.

In June, 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 the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), which enables the flying activities of the squadron.

The RAF will continue to conduct Nato's Air Policing Mission in Estonia with 1 (F) Sqn Typhoons until August when they will hand over to the Spanish Air Force.

Last month, RAF aircraft were shadowed by Russian jets as they flew over the Black Sea.