Three interceptions in three days highlight the Royal Air Force’s rapid response in defending allied airspace in the Baltic
Two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF) were scrambled three times in just three days as part of NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission, currently based at Malbork Air Base in Poland.
The actions are part of Operation Chessman, the United Kingdom’s contribution to the alliance’s air defense operations. The aircrews belong to No. II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, part of the 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (140 EAW).
Consecutive interceptions between April 15 and 17
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Typhoons were launched twice:
First, to intercept and identify a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M reconnaissance aircraft after it exited Kaliningrad airspace.
Hours later, they intercepted two SU-30SM2 aircraft, known by NATO as FLANKER-H, which are twin-seat air superiority fighters.
Then on Thursday, April 17, the British fighters were scrambled again to identify an unknown aircraft near NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea. The aircraft was again identified as an Il-20M, classified by NATO as COOT-A, specialized in electronic intelligence, communications, and airborne surveillance missions.
Reinforced NATO presence on the eastern flank
Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions are conducted in close coordination with NATO command centers, especially in sensitive regions such as Europe’s eastern flank. The UK presence in Malbork also operates alongside NATO’s newest member, Sweden, strengthening joint operational integration and aerial monitoring.
Source: Royal Air Force (RAF). This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
