RAF Typhoon intercepts a Russian Tu-214 command and control aircraft while on deployment to Estonia (Picture: MOD).
Op Azotize saw pilots fly for a combined total of more than 500 hours.
3rd August 2023.
Royal Air Force personnel have returned to the UK after finishing their four-month leadership of Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia – the force’s longest-ever Nato air policing deployment.
During the mission, pilots intercepted 50 Russian aircraft and flew for a combined total of more than 500 hours.
Typhoon jets and their pilots from IX(Bomber) and 1(Fighter) squadrons from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (140 EAW) have now returned to RAF Lossiemouth in Moray.
Members of 140 EAW have been deployed to Ämari Air Base since the beginning of March, along with a squadron of RAF Typhoon fighter jets, to conduct Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) intercepts of Russian aircraft transiting close to Nato airspace.
“Hundreds of RAF pilots and personnel have spent months away from their families, working round the clock alongside our allies to keep Europe’s skies safe,” Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said.
“The UK’s successful leadership of Nato’s Air Policing mission in Estonia, resulting in the interception of dozens of Russian aircraft by the RAF, sends a strong message to Putin that we stand united with our allies against any threat to our borders,” he added.
The Nato Baltic Air Policing mission was established at Ämari base in Estonia and Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania in 2014 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
Allies who contribute to the mission deploy to the air bases in Eastern Europe on a four-month rotational basis.
During the recent deployment, named Op Azotize, the RAF pilots flew missions alongside the German air force – during which the first-ever air joint air intercept between Nato allies took place, as British and German Typhoons shadowed a Russian air-to-air refuelling aircraft and transport aircraft
The numerous interceptions happened because Russian aircraft did not follow international norms by failing to co-ordinate with Nato-controlled air traffic agencies and submit flight plans, posing a flight safety risk that required constant monitoring and investigation by Nato aircraft, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said.
During the deployment, operations were conducted in coordination with the Portuguese and Romanian air forces, which jointly led the Nato air policing mission in Lithuania.
The leadership of the air policing mission in Estonia was handed over to the Spanish Air Force.
On Wednesday, while formally handing over the leadership to his Spanish counterparts, Wing Commander Scott MacColl said: “The RAF is committed to its role within Nato of collective defence, to ensure the strength and unity of the alliance and to deter and defend against threats to Nato security.
“While in Estonia, 140 Expeditionary Air Wing has excelled, participating in 12 major Nato and Joint Expeditionary Force exercises in addition to the Air Policing role.
“I am extremely proud of the whole force’s hard work and dedication. Now that they are back in the UK, their focus will be straight back to providing UK quick reaction alert where they will help ensure the safety and integrity of UK airspace, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Estonia has hosted a series of major Nato exercises including Exercise Spring Storm in May, which saw 1,500 British personnel join servicemen and women from 11 Nato countries, the first time the UK has conducted a brigade-sized deployment to the country.
In June, the Baltic country also hosted Exercise Air Defender, which played out a Nato Article 5 scenario involving more than 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel taking part from 25 nations – the largest Nato Air Deployment exercise since the end of the Cold War.
