BREAKING: RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept Russian jets AGAIN

BREAKING: RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept Russian jets AGAIN



BREAKING: RAF Typhoons scrambled to intercept Russian jets AGAIN

RAF fighter jets were scrambled to intercepted two Russian military planes in the latest in a long line of similar incidents, it emerged tonight.

Four Typhoons were sent from the Amari Air base in Estonia after the Russian planes approached Baltic airspace without sharing their flight plan.

They initially identified and shadowed an Il-20M A surveillance aircraft, before checking out a an An-26 transport plane flying north from Kaliningrad.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who plans to visit the Baltic Air Policing detachment later this month, said: "The interception of Russian military aircraft by our RAF Typhoon fighters underlines our commitment to Nato and the security of the Baltic region.

"RAF air and ground crew are doing vital work to defend the skies above and around the Baltic States and I look forward to seeing that work first hand in the near future. "

Four Typhoons were deployed to Amari on May 1, and are working with Norwegian aircraft to patrol Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Yesterday's incident is not the first time that the RAF have taken action in the Baltic region because of Russian planes.

Last month, Typhoons were scrambled to intercept a spy plane flying close to Estonian airspace.

While throughout this year the RAF on numerous occasions have sent jets to intercept Russian planes flying close to British airspace.

Jets were scrambled last month when two Russian Bear planes were spotted flying North of Scotland, while in April Typhoons were sent to intercept planes and escort them away from British airspace.

Flight Lieutenant Paul Griffin said: "In this case the Typhoons were given the nod and the Estonian controllers hit the scramble button