RAF intercept 21 Russian battle planes on Nato mission

British fighter jets have returned to the UK after sending a “strong message” to Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin on Europe’s jap flank.

RAF typhoons intercepted 50 Russian aircrafts throughout a four-month deployment main Nato’s air policing mission in Estonia.

Fighter jets have been scrambled for 21 consecutive days in June, intercepting 21 Russian warplanes.

This included long-range bombers, intelligence aircrafts and Russian Su-27 fighter jets.

The Spanish Air Force has now taken over accountability for the air policing mission in Estonia.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace mentioned final evening: “Hundreds of RAF pilots and personnel have spent months away from their families, working round-the-clock alongside our allies to keep Europe’s skies safe.

“The UK’s successful leadership of Nato’s air policing mission in Estonia, resulting in the interception of dozens of Russian aircraft by the RAF, sends a strong message to Putin that we stand united with our allies against any threat to our borders.”

The Ministry of Defence final evening revealed British typhoons have flown for greater than 500 hours defending Europe’s jap flank.

Members of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, together with a squadron of RAF Typhoon fighter jets, have been deployed in Estonia since March.

Defence Minister Baroness Goldie DL mentioned: “Following a successful deployment to Estonia from our strategic airbase at Lossiemouth, I pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing for their role in protecting Nato airspace over the last four months.

“The day to day, personal sacrifices made not only by the individuals but also their families in the name of duty are nothing short of commendable. It is reflective of the important contribution to our defence capability from all parts of the UK.

“Our work with European partners and our NatoAllies continues to provide the backbone to European security, of which our pilots, aircrews and RAF personnel have all formed a central part. They should be proud of what they have achieved.”

While deployed to Estonia, the RAF has additionally taken half in quite a lot of main workouts with Nato allies, together with Exercise Air Defender, the most important Nato Air Deployment train because the finish of the Cold War, with greater than 250 plane and 10,000 personnel collaborating from 25 nations.

RAF pilots additionally performed the primary “joint” intercept of a Russian plane alongside the German airforce.

Wing Commander Scott MacColl on Wednesday formally handed on the accountability of the air policing mission in Estonia to the Spanish Air Force.

Air and Space Commander, Air Marshal Harv Smyth, mentioned: “The RAF is committed to its role within Nato of collective defence, to ensure the strength and unity of the alliance and to deter and defend against threats to Nato security.

“While in Estonia, 140 Expeditionary Air Wing has excelled, participating in 12 major Nato and Joint Expeditionary Force exercises in addition to the Air Policing role.

“I am extremely proud of the whole force’s hard work and dedication. Now that they are back in the UK, their focus will be straight back to providing UK quick reaction alert where they will help ensure the safety and integrity of UK airspace, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

The Nato Baltic Air Policing mission was arrange in 2014 at Amari base in Estonia and Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania, following Russia’s unlawful annexation of Crimea.