Royal Air Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft near NATO airspace on Wednesday. The Russian aircraft, a Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber and a Su-27 Flanker fighter jet, were flying close to the border of Estonia, a NATO member state.
The RAF jets were scrambled from Amari Air Base in Estonia and intercepted the Russian aircraft without incident. The Russian aircraft were escorted back to international airspace. The RAF said that the Russian aircraft had not complied with international regulations by failing to communicate with air traffic control. The RAF also said that the Russian aircraft had flown in a "provocative" manner.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between NATO and Russia over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. NATO has increased its readiness in Eastern Europe in response to the invasion. The RAF's interception of the Russian aircraft is a reminder of the threat posed by Russia to NATO airspace. NATO is committed to defending its members and will take all necessary steps to deter any aggression from Russia.
The RAF's interception of the Russian aircraft is a sign that NATO is taking the threat from Russia seriously. The incident is a reminder that Russia is willing to test NATO's readiness and resolve. NATO has increased its readiness in Eastern Europe in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The RAF's interception of the Russian aircraft is a further indication of NATO's commitment to defending its members.