RAF fighter jets scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft near Nato airspace

RAF Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled three times in three days to intercept Russian aircraft flying close to Nato airspace over the past week. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said two Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft.

Later in the same day they were again scrambled to intercept two SU-30MKI aircraft as they left nearby Kaliningrad air space. On Thursday, another two Typhoons were scrambled for the third time in three days from the base to intercept an unknown aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The MoD said on Sunday that the intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation Chessman and come weeks after the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin deployment alongside Sweden in defence of Nato’s eastern flank.

Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said the UK was “unshakeable” in its commitment to Nato.

The intercepts were carried out from Malbork Air Base in Poland. / Credit: MoD

“With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our plan for change,” he added.

“This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with Nato’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.”

Sweden officially became the 32nd member of Nato in March last year, following Finland’s entry in 2023, as concerns over Russian aggression continued to grow in Europe.

The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the country’s latest contribution to Nato’s air policing efforts, following operations in Romania and Iceland last year.

The MoD said it represents a “landmark in Nato integration” with jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens, the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another ally’s air policing since joining Nato in 2024.

The intercepts come after Defence Secretary John Healey’s visit to Nato last week where he co-led a meeting in which more than 50 nations pledged £21bn of support to Ukraine, the department said.

In April 2024, six Typhoon fighter jets with more than 200 personnel were stationed in Romania to defend Nato’s eastern border.

This was followed in August 2024 with the deployment of four F-35B jets to Iceland, defending Nato airspace in the north. The RAF’s quick reaction alert forces are based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton.