Typhoon fighter jets currently operating from Lithuania have intercepted a Russian military formation operating over the Baltic Sea, say the Royal Air Force.
The Typhoons, from 6 Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth, approached the Russian formation to identify its composition and established it was an IL-38 ‘MAY’ Maritime Patrol Aircraft, being escorted by two SU-27 Flanker B Fighters.
“This was the first time in recent years that the RAF have seen and intercepted a ‘MAY’ which was operating alongside a Russian OSCAR class submarine which the Typhoons photographed on the surface as it transited towards the west across the Baltic Sea.
The Russian formation was then monitored as it flew through the Lithuanian Flight Information Region (international airspace), to ensure the safety of other airspace users as Russian Military aircraft do not file flight plans in accordance with standard international practice.”
135 EAW is currently operating from Siauliai Air Base Lithuania, alongside a Spanish Air Force EF-18 Hornet Detachment and a French Air Force detachment based in Estonia to deliver the NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission.
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