RAF Typhoons Intercept Multiple Russian Aircraft
- Garth Calitz
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
This week has witnessed a significant escalation in military activity in the European airspace, with particular emphasis on the Royal Air Force (RAF). In a sequence of events highlighting the increased regional tensions, two RAF Typhoon fighter jets were deployed on three separate occasions within just three days.
On Tuesday, 15 April 2025, the Malbork-based Typhoons were scrambled twice by NATO. First to intercept and identify Ilyushin Il-20M, as they left Kaliningrad airspace. Then, later in the same day, they were again scrambled to intercept two SU-30SM2 aircraft as they left Kaliningrad airspace. Known by the NATO code name FLANKER-H, it is a two-seater air superiority fighter aircraft.
On Thursday 17 April 2025, two Typhoons were scramble for the third time in three days to intercept and identify an unknown aircraft close to NATO air space over the Baltic Sea. The unknown aircraft was an Ilyushin Il-20M. Known by its NATO code name Coot-A, the aircraft is a Communication and Electronic Signals Intelligence Surveillance-Reconnaissance aircraft.
Aircrew from No. II (Army Co-operation) Squadron, part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), are currently conducting Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) as part of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP) when they are scrambled.
“Today was the third time in three days that NATO have scrambled RAF assets at Malbork; today’s mission was to intercept and identify the unknown aircraft departing Kaliningrad airspace. It was not communicating, so once intercepted, we shadowed the aircraft to protect civilian air traffic in the immediate area,” said an EAW spokesperson.
Operation Chessman represents the United Kingdom's contribution to the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission. Royal Air Force personnel are currently stationed at Malbork Airbase, operating under the leadership of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW). This operation involves RAF personnel collaborating with Sweden at Malbork, NATO's newest member.
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