RAF Jets Scrambled To Intercept Russian Planes

RAF Typhoon fighter jets have intercepted five Russian aircraft north of Estonia as part of a NATO protection mission.

The British planes were initially shadowing two Su-27 Flanker fighters and an IL-20 'Coot-A' Reconnaissance plane when two more Su-27s were detected, according to the Ministry of Defence.

It was the second time in a week that RAF Typhoons had been scrambled to intercept Russian aircraft as part of the policing mission in the region.

In the latest intercept, an MoD statement said the Russian planes were operating without transmitting recognised identification codes and were not communicating with regional air traffic control centres.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: "For the second time in a week, the RAF have been on hand to respond to Russian activity at a moment’s notice.

"24 hours a day, seven days a week, we will continue to secure the Baltic skies on behalf of NATO and our allies."

The lead Typhoon pilot said: “The Baltic Control and Reporting Centre had radar contact on the unidentified aircraft and ordered us to scramble.

"As always we were airborne in minutes and intercepted and identified the variety of Russian military aircraft.

"We remain on standby all day, every day to respond to any requests of this nature, this is what we do.”

Four RAF jets were deployed last month to join the Baltic Air Policing mission, where NATO members help countries who are not able to police their own skies.

They will stay there until the end of August.