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Fighter jets from the RAF and German Air Force have intercepted three Russian aircraft that were flying over the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea, it emerged today.
The RAF Eurofighter Typhoons teamed up with German colleagues to buzz the Russian craft as it neared NATO airspace on Friday.
Eurofighter Typhoons from the RAF’s IX (B) Squadron and the German Air Force’s 71 ‘Richtofen’ Wing were sent to intercept the aircraft.
RAF and German Air Force pilots have been working together to protect NATO’s eastern border in a joint operation as part of Operation Azotize.
During this latest incident, one of the aircraft was identified as a Russian Air Force IL-20 Coot-A intelligence aircraft, which was transiting from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad enclave, bordering Poland.
The RAF reports that the Coot-A was escorted by two Russian SU-27 Flanker-B fighter jets based in Kaliningrad.
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The Russian intelligence planes are deployed to soak up enemy communications and signals for analysis by the Kremlin.
The RAF shared images on its social media accounts with the Russian jets metres away from allied planes.
In a statement on Monday, an RAF Pilot with IX (B) Squadron said: “We often see Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea and so this was a routine intercept for us.
“Nevertheless, the importance of intercepting these aircraft and our commitment to the collective defence of NATO airspace remains steadfast and resolute.
“What this intercept has proven is that together with our German allies, we are able to act with speed and decisiveness to effectively ensure the Alliance’s security.
“These combined RAF and German Air Force intercepts continue to enhance NATO cohesion, ensuring seamless cooperation and understanding during these missions.
“Our allies and partners in the region should remain assured that NATO is here to stay, and the UK continues its commitment to collective defence of NATO Airspace.”
The RAF and German Air Force are currently carrying out joint operations with Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets from Amari Air Base in Estonia.
This marks the fifth joint intercept mission conducted by the two nations, as they work together as a combined force to fulfill NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission, known as Operation Azotize.
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