Typhoon fighter jets deployed to Lithuania intercepted Russian aircraft off the Baltic coast for the second time in a week. Typhoons launched on the afternoon of 04 Jun 20 to intercept a Russian Il-20 COOT A and two Russian Su-27 Flanker B aircraft operating over the Baltic Sea.
This was the detachment’s second launch in support of Baltic Air Policing within a 48hr window.
A Typhoon pilot from 6 Squadron, attached to 135 Expeditionary Air Wing, was conducting Quick Reaction Alert duty when the scramble was called. He said:
“This mission was more complex, as there were more aircraft to manage of different types and flying at different speeds. We are always ready to react in support of the NATO mission.”
The Typhoon aircraft were able to approach the Russian formation and identify it’s composition as an ISR aircraft escorted by two fighters.
The Minister for Armed Forces, James Heappey MP said; “The UK’s commitment to NATO is as strong as ever. Our Typhoon Force is playing a key part in support of the alliance’s air policing operations and our friends in Lithuania.”
This intercept is part of the routine NATO Air Policing mission that has been conducted to police the skies since 2004.
Sources: RAF; YouTube