Typhoons Intercepted A Russian IL-78 MIDAS

The US is not the only nation having to shepherd 'wayward Russian aircraft form airspace close to important borders. Just prioor to the weekend, Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets based in Lithuania launched for the fifth time to intercept Russian aircraft off the Baltic coast line.

The Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth based 6 Squadron RAF, intercepted a Russian IL-78 MIDAS Air to Air refuelling aircraft that was operating over the Baltic Sea and was a routine NATO Air Policing mission.

Wing Commander Stu Gwinnutt the commanding officer of the deployed 135 Expeditionary Air Wing, that is currently deployed at Siauliai air base in Lithuania conducting the NATO mission said, “Today’s interception, though routine, is a continuing sign of why it is necessary to deploy the NATO Air Policing Mission here, to ensure that all air users in this region can conduct their activities in a safe and professional manner.”

The current NATO Baltic Air Policing mission sees the RAF working alongside a Spanish Air Force detachment at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania and a French Air Force detachment at Amari Air Base in Estonia. The three NATO Allies are therefore able to react to any infringements on NATO air space any time of the day or night.

The UK operates in support of NATO to reassure their Allies and is a part of the wider UK NATO commitments in the region. These include leading the NATO Battlegroup deployed in Estonia and supplying troops to the US led Battle Group based in Poland as part of NATOs enhanced Forward Presence mission.

FMI: https://www.raf.mod.uk/