RAF Typhoons intercept two Russian fighter jets and a spy plane near NATO ... trends now
Royal Air Force Typhoon jets intercepted a Russian spy aircraft and a pair of fighter planes close to encroaching on NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea on Friday.
The RAF Eurofighter Typhoons teamed up with Germany's Air Force to buzz their Russian foes who were soaring over the Gulf of Finland and bearing down on Estonia.
One of the aircraft was identified to be a Russian Air Force IL-20 Coot-A intelligence plane headed for the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad which borders Poland. It was being escorted by Su-27 Flanker-B fighter jets.
These intelligence planes are designed to soak up enemy communications and signals for analysis.
Meanwhile, stunning images shared by the allied air forces on social media showed one of the Russian Su-27 jets gliding through the air just metres away from an RAF plane.
A Russian Su-27 is seen flying off the wing of an RAF aircraft
Typhoon fighter jets from the Royal Air Force and German Air Force have conducted a joint mission to intercept three Russian aircraft flying over the Gulf of Finland and Baltic Sea
One of the Russian aircraft (L) was identified to be a Russian Air Force IL-20 Coot-A intelligence plane headed for the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad which borders Poland
'We often see Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea and so this was a routine intercept for us,' an RAF statement read.
'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.'
The RAF and German Typhoons escorted the Coot-A and Flanker-Bs through the Estonian flight information region before handing over to Saab Gripen fighters of the Swedish Air Force.
The allies are currently co-operating on Operation Azotize - a NATO Air Policing initiative designed to ensure the security of member nations in eastern Europe close to Ukraine.
The RAF and German Air Force are flying their Eurofighter Typhoon jets out of Amari Air Base in Estonia.
Friday's intercept is the fifth time German and British planes have come into contact with Russian planes near NAO airspace in just six weeks.
'This was another demonstration of our readiness and commitment to react at speed to conduct a live intercept. These combined RAF and German Air Force intercepts continue to enhance NATO cohesion, ensuring seamless cooperation and understanding during these missions,' the RAF concluded.
