Typhoon fighters of the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, stationed in Poland, were scrambled twice in three days to intercept Russian aircraft approaching NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea.
The missions are part of Operation CHESSMAN, which is integrated into NATO’s enhanced air policing.
In one of the actions, the British jets took off from Malbork airbase to identify an An-30 aircraft, used for aerial photography, and then an Il-20M, specialized in electronic intelligence.
The Russian aircraft did not follow basic international aviation rules, such as communication with air traffic control, transmitting signals via transponder, or filing a flight plan. Therefore, NATO authorized the interception to ensure the safety of civil air traffic in the region. The RAF jets escorted the Russian planes in a controlled manner until they were cleared to return to base.
The operation reinforces the United Kingdom’s commitment to NATO air security in the Baltic region. The actions were conducted by personnel of RAF Squadron No. II, operating under the 140th Expeditionary Air Wing, which performs Quick Reaction Alert duties.
British troops continue to operate alongside forces from other allied nations, including Sweden, the newest member of the alliance.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @RoyalAirForce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
A week on Operation Chessman.
RAF Typhoons show their might intercepting Russian aircraft protecting NATO airspace, and the RAF demonstrates, with its allies #WeAreNATO
Read more https://t.co/PgpeyWhyO9 pic.twitter.com/ASqQ7XGQCa
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) June 15, 2025
