RAF Typhoon FG24 Intercept Russian Intelligence Aircraft

On Saturday, 24th May 2025, two Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were dispatched from their deployed operating base in Northern Poland to intercept a Russian aircraft approaching NATO airspace. NATO scrambled the Malbork-based Typhoons to intercept an Ilyushin Il-20M that had previously been intercepted and escorted by three other pairs of NATO aircraft earlier that day. The previous escorting aircraft broke off their escorts when the aircraft turned toward Kaliningrad airspace.

Upon entering Kaliningrad airspace, the aircraft altered its course, heading southwest towards Polish airspace. This manoeuvre prompted NATO to dispatch RAF Typhoons. Subsequently, the aircraft changed direction to the northwest, traversing over the Baltic Sea north of Poland, while remaining in international airspace. The Typhoons intercepted the aircraft as it exited Kaliningrad airspace and escorted it until it was transferred to the Danish Quick Reaction Alert (QRA).

Upon intercepting and identifying an aircraft, Typhoons are typically directed to escort it. This task continues until the aircraft is either transferred to another pair of NATO aircraft or departs from NATO airspace, at which point the escort is deemed unnecessary. During such escort missions, the NATO aircraft maintain a non-threatening position.

Typically, this involves NATO aircraft intercepting from the 3 or 9 o’clock position relative to the unknown aircraft. This approach is determined by weather conditions and the direction of the target, ensuring that the position of the NATO aircraft is not perceived as aggressive.

An EAW spokesperson stated, “I was scrambled to intercept the COOT-A aircraft approaching NATO airspace. Once intercepted, NATO instructed us to escort the aircraft. We escort aircraft to ensure the safety of all airspace users in the vicinity of the non-communicating aircraft. At no point did the aircraft file a flight plan or communicate with civilian air traffic control, and it was also transiting without squawking. Our mission was conducted professionally and in full accordance with international law.”They added: “NATO remains vigilant and ready to safeguard allied airspace 24/7; this is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to collective defence.”

Aircrew from No. II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), are currently conducting QRA as part of NATO enhanced Air Policing (eAP) when they were scrambled. Operation Chessman is the UK contingent delivering the NATO eAP mission. RAF personnel are currently deployed at Malbork Air Base and are under the command of 140 EAW. The Operation sees personnel from across the RAF deployed to Malbork alongside NATO's newest member, Sweden.