British fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft near NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea last week, according to the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The MOD reported that two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork airbase in Poland on Tuesday to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft.
On Thursday, another pair of Typhoons was deployed from the same base to intercept an unidentified aircraft exiting Kaliningrad airspace near NATO’s borders.
🇬🇧 Eurofighters from Malbork 🇵🇱 & 🇵🇹 F-16s from Ämari 🇪🇪 scramble in response to 🇷🇺 aircraft not adhering to international safety norms
This is the first time for the new Air Policing detachments, who are safeguarding the integrity of NATO airspace 24/7/365 pic.twitter.com/2o7VlLirRY
— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) April 16, 2025
These were the first interceptions under Operation Chessman, the UK’s current NATO air policing mission in Poland.
The RAF deployed six Typhoon jets and about 200 personnel to Malbork in late March as part of the mission, which includes cooperation with Sweden, NATO’s newest member.
RAF Typhoons arrive in Poland ahead of their @NATO Air Policing campaign.
This deployment highlights the UK’s dedication to supporting NATO allies, and promoting the collective security of Europe.
Together with the Swedish Air Force we are #SecuringTheSkies. pic.twitter.com/Ynp9g3k3PY
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) March 26, 2025
“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,” said Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard. “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.”
Before the current mission in Poland, British jets were also deployed to Romania in April 2024 and to Iceland in August 2024 as part of NATO’s broader air policing efforts.
There was no immediate comment from Russia regarding the interceptions.
