Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea
In a significant display of NATO’s air defence capabilities, UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace. This action is part of the UK’s commitment to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the region.
On Tuesday two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The aircraft was identified as it flew close to NATO airspace, prompting the RAF to take swift action to ensure the security of the region.
Just two days later, on Thursday, another pair of Typhoons were scrambled from the same base to intercept an unknown aircraft that had left Kaliningrad airspace and was approaching NATO airspace. These intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation CHESSMAN, which began just weeks ago when the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin their deployment alongside Sweden in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank.
The recent intercepts follow the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. This move recognises the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty. Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and forms the foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Air Force is essential to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, commented on the intercepts, saying, “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change. This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member, Sweden, and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.”
The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the latest contribution to NATO’s air policing efforts. This follows successful operations in Romania and Iceland last year. The deployment also represents a landmark in NATO integration, with RAF jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens. This is the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.
The intercepts come shortly after the Defence Secretary’s visit to NATO last week, where he reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering commitment to the alliance. He co-led a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, in which more than 50 nations pledged a total of £21 billion of support to Ukraine.
The Typhoon programme is not only crucial for national security but also supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year. This dual role of defending our security while creating jobs back home highlights the importance of the RAF’s operations.
The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert forces, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton, remain vigilant and ready to protect UK airspace around the clock. Meanwhile, deployed operations like Operation CHESSMAN ensure that British airpower is defending the Alliance wherever it is most needed.
These recent intercepts underscore the UK’s commitment to NATO and its role in maintaining peace and stability in Europe. As tensions continue to rise, the UK’s robust defence capabilities and unwavering commitment to its allies are more important than ever.
This is not the first time RAF jets have been used to intercept Russian aircraft. Last year, two Typhoons based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland were scrambled after a Russian Bear-F bomber flew over the North Sea.
At the time, the MoD said the Russian reconnaissance plane had been detected in the UK’s “area of interest”, but had not been able to enter UK sovereign airspace. Fifty Russian aircraft were also intercepted by RAF pilots based at Lossiemouth in 2023, when 21 aircraft were intercepted in a 21-day period.
In a separate incident in 2023, Typhoon fighters and a Norwegian F-35A fighter aircraft were launched as part of Nato’s response to a Russian aircraft near Uk airspace. Incidents like this – known as quick reaction alerts – are not uncommon and involve RAF crews shadowing Russian military aircraft near UK airspace and during operations further afield, if necessary. They have occurred since the Cold War era.
Intercepts are not just used to track Russian aircraft, though. In October 2024, RAF fighters were scrambled to intercept a civilian airliner which had reported a bomb on board. Afterwards, an RAF spokesman said the alert ended without incident, and the Boeing 777-300 “was released to continue to its original destination”.
