RAF fighter jets have been scrambled twice in less than 48 hours to intercept Russian warplanes that flew close to Nato airspace.
British Typhoons were called into action on two separate occasions this week after Kremlin aircraft approached the border, triggering an alert.
The incident marks the first time the RAF has been deployed under Operation Chessman – a new Nato mission designed to strengthen Europe’s air defences.
Ministers have pointed to these confrontations as evidence of Russia’s increasingly aggressive testing of the Western military alliance’s boundaries.
British Typhoons were called into action on two separate occasions this week after Kremlin aircraft approached the border, triggering an alert
MoD
The interceptions come amid ongoing Ukraine peace negotiations between the US and Russia.
On Tuesday, two Typhoons stationed at Malbork Air Base in Poland were scrambled to intercept a Russian spy plane over the Baltic Sea.
Less than 48 hours later, another pair had to be deployed to deter an unknown aircraft leaving the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which sits between Poland and Lithuania.
The Typhoons are part of a six-strong fleet that was only posted to Poland three weeks ago.
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They are participating in a joint defence operation with the Swedish air force.
The aircrafts are usually based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and have been accompanied by almost 200 UK military personnel.
Luke Pollard, the Armed Forces Minister, told The Telegraph: “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,” he added.
The latest incidents occur while the White House and Kremlin remain locked in talks over a potential Ukraine peace deal
REUTERS
Pollard emphasised the significance of the mission, stating it “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.”
When the planes were initially deployed, Wing Commander Christopher Jacob said they would “defend and deter, standing ready to protect against any threat.”
Russia has become increasingly aggressive in probing Nato air defences since its invasion of Ukraine began three years ago.
In November, jets from RAF Lossiemouth intercepted a Russian bomber approaching UK airspace over the North Sea.
The latest incidents occur while the White House and Kremlin remain locked in talks over a potential Ukraine peace deal.
Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of negotiations, suggesting he is losing patience with Moscow’s approach.
Putin rejected a US-proposed ceasefire last month that had been accepted by Kyiv.
Russian forces have continued to bomb Ukrainian civilians despite Putin announcing a 30-hour “Easter truce” on Saturday.
Britain and other European nations have formed a “coalition of the willing” to station peacekeepers in Ukraine should a peace deal be reached
PA
Britain and other European nations have formed a “coalition of the willing” to station peacekeepers in Ukraine should a peace deal be reached.
Under this agreement, troops from the UK and allied nations would be deployed to Ukraine to deter Russia from attempting another invasion.
Sir Keir Starmer is currently working to persuade the United States to provide a “backstop” to this plan.
European nations are meanwhile bolstering their air defences amid signals from Donald Trump suggesting a potential weakening of US military support for the continent.
