RAF and German fighter jets were “scrambled to intercept” Russian aircraft flying close to Estonian airspace.
A pair of German and RAF Typhoon jets scrambled to intercept a Russian air-to-air refuelling aircraft after it failed to communicate with Estonian air traffic control.
The British Armed Forces Minister James Heappey said, “NATO continues to form the bedrock of our collective security.
“This joint UK and German deployment in the Baltics clearly demonstrates our collective resolve to challenge any potential threat to NATO’s borders, whilst demonstrating our combined strength.”
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A Typhoon pilot from the RAF’s IX(Bomber) Squadron, who was not named by the Ministry of Defence, said, “We were scrambled to intercept an aircraft that was approaching Estonian airspace. We identified and monitored it as it transited close to NATO airspace.
“Any aircraft that are not communicating with Air Traffic Control or on a recognised flight plan will be intercepted by us to ensure we know who they are and maintain flight safety for all airspace users.
“As a fighter pilot this was a routine business, even though I was flying alongside a German colleague.
“It is clear that all of our training and hard work paid off as we seamlessly operated together.”
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