British fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near Poland during NATO mission (X @RoyalAirForce)
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, British Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled in Poland to intercept a Russian intelligence aircraft approaching Polish airspace.
The Russian aircraft, an Ilyushin Il-20M (NATO codename COOT-A), had no flight plan, was not communicating with civilian air traffic control, and did not emit identification signals.
The interception occurred over the Baltic Sea, in international airspace, as part of a NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission.
RAF jets escorted the aircraft until it was handed over to Danish quick reaction forces. According to a British pilot involved in the mission, the escort was meant to ensure the safety of other airspace users in the presence of a non-communicating aircraft. The operation followed all international protocols in a professional manner.
The interception was part of Operation Chessman, the United Kingdom’s contribution to the NATO mission. The RAF maintains personnel in northern Poland working with allied forces, including Sweden, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to collective defense and constant surveillance of allied airspace.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @RoyalAirForce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The same Russian aircraft had previously been intercepted & escorted by three other pairs of NATO aircraft, earlier that day.
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) May 25, 2025
