The Typhoon flight, part of 121 Expeditionary Air Wing, deployed to Estonia at NATO’s request in May as part of this year to secure NATO airspace over the Baltic nations of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
The Typhoon FGR4 provides the RAF with a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict.
On the 25th of August, the duties were handed over to to the German 31st Tactical Air Wing. Since arriving in Estonia, the Typhoon’s have scrambled 17 times to intercept at least 40 Russian aircraft.
Flight Lieutenant Rory Denman said:
“From hearing the alarm we launch as fast as we can. It’s been a challenging but ultimately rewarding operation. From a flying perspective, intercepting aircraft is what we do, just as we continue to do so in the UK.”
Commanding Officer of 121 Expeditionary Air Wing, Wing Commander Stu Smiley said:
“121 Expeditionary Air Wing has played a vital part in ensuring that the UK continues to play its part in the NATO mission of securing the Baltic airspace. Everything we do in the RAF is to protect, uphold and defend the UK, its allies and its interests and thanks to the commitment and professionalism of my team, without a doubt we have fulfilled that mission.”
