The Royal Air Force (RAF) has made bold moves to reinforce increased tensions in European airspace. Last week, RAF Typhoon jets were scrambled on two occasions to intercept Russian aircraft operating close to Nato airspace over the Baltic Sea. These rotations mark the first deployment of the RAF under Operation Chessman. This mission directly supports NATO’s current effort to improve air policing missions across the alliance.
The RAF’s air security missions QRA – quick reaction alert forces – are currently based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth and Brize Norton. Today they are in the thick of this important challenge. This includes the recent UK deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from the UK’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. This recent action comes after similar campaigns in Romania and Iceland earlier this year.
On Tuesday, two UK Royal Airforce RAF Typhoons aircraft launched from Malbork airbase in Poland. Their mission? To interdict a rogue Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft. This episode illustrates the persistent danger of Russian warplanes operating near Nato countries’ airspace.
The MoD validated that the RAF jets intercepted a previously unidentified aircraft leaving Kaliningrad airspace close to Nato airspace. Far from being reactive, these recent scrambles showcase the UK’s commitment to countering threats and ensuring security and stability in the region.
RAF Typhoon jets now deployed to eastern Poland. This move is important as an additional step to consolidate NATO’s defense on the alliance’s eastern flank. As UK armed forces minister Luke Pollard said, “They’ve got to be in it to win it.” As he put it, “With Russian aggression increasing and security threats multiplying, we are doing more to reassure our allies, deter our adversaries, and protect our national security—all through our plan for change.”
Pollard underscored the collaborative spirit of the mission. He said, “This mission showcases our ability to operate with Sweden, Nato’s newest member, to protect the alliance’s airspace. Together we provide defense at home and strength abroad.”
Recent NATO operations show the most integrated NATO to date. Currently, aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth are working alongside Swedish Gripen fighter jets. In doing so, Sweden has made history by contributing aircraft to an ally’s air policing for the first time. This would be a historic step since the country joined NATO in 2024.