UK fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace this week, marking the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) first operational scrambles under Operation CHESSMAN in Poland.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, “Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday (April 15) to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M ‘Coot-A’ intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea.” A second scramble followed on Thursday, “to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space and close to NATO airspace.”
The intercepts come as part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission. It also marks a significant moment in allied integration, with RAF Typhoons operating alongside Swedish Gripens—“the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.”
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard stated: “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.”
Pollard added that the mission underscores the UK’s 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 RAF’s deployment includes six Typhoon fighter jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing, based at RAF Lossiemouth. The Typhoon programme supports over 20,000 jobs across the UK each year.
The announcement follows Defence Secretary Luke Pollard’s visit to NATO headquarters last week, where he reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the alliance and co-chaired a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. That gathering saw more than 50 nations pledge £21 billion in support to Ukraine.
Operation CHESSMAN is the latest example of the UK’s air policing deployments across Europe, following missions in Romania and Iceland. The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert units at home—based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton—remain on 24/7 standby to defend UK airspace.
