INA- sources
Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets have “intercepted” 21 Russian aircraft at the border of NATO airspace over the past three weeks while on a mission to Estonia, the health ministry said on Saturday.
Among the Russian aircraft in question are combat aircraft, transport aircraft or intelligence-gathering aircraft, as well as Tu-22M long-range bombers, according to British Defense.“These interceptions are a stark reminder of the value of collective defense and deterrence that NATO provides,” Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said in a statement.“Continued Support for the Strengthening of European Security”
“The Royal Air Force has been working alongside our allies over the past three weeks to ensure the protection of Member States and our partner countries, and they can be sure of our continued support in strengthening European security along with those who share our values,” he added.
Deployed to the Amari base in Estonia since March as part of the British contribution to NATO missions, British Typhoons have taken off to monitor Russian aircraft when they are out of contact with air agencies, thus posing a security risk, according to the Defense Department. Great Britain.The British planes are to remain in Estonia until August, when they will be relieved by the Spanish army planes. During its deployment to Estonia, the Royal Air Force also took part in several major exercises.This show of strength and unity in the face of potential threats from Russia at the height of the war in Ukraine was described by its organizers as the largest air exercise in the history of the Alliance, with 250 military aircraft from 25 member countries taking part. NATO countries and partners, including Japan and Sweden, a candidate country for membership.
source: 24 news recorder