Over the last three weeks, RAF Typhoon aircraft have taken to the skies 21 times in response to sorties conducted by Russian military aircraft. This information comes from the AFP agency via ANews and reflects a period of heightened aerial activity in the region. The British Ministry of Defence confirmed to AFP that the Typhoons, based on standby in Estonia, were launched to monitor and identify Russian aircraft when air traffic controllers did not respond to routine safety requests. The goal was to ensure radar picture continuity and maintain a robust air defense posture as tensions in the area persisted.
Currently, British Typhoon fighters operate in Estonia as part of what is described as a rapid-response capability. In the broader Baltic region, air defense units from Portugal and Romania are present, with their operations centered in Lithuania as part of collective NATO deterrence and reinforcing missions. This multinational presence is designed to deter potential aggressions, reassure alliance partners, and demonstrate that allied airspace remains protected and surveilled around the clock.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the Russian incursions included a mix of aircraft types such as Su-27 fighter jets, long-range bombers, transport aircraft, and reconnaissance planes. Officials noted that these movements were observed and tracked by allied air forces, underscoring the vigilance of NATO and partner nations as they monitor Russian air activity and respond when necessary to maintain airspace integrity. The continued transparency about aircraft types and missions serves to inform allied governments and the public about ongoing defense measures in the region.
In Estonia, the Royal Air Force has taken part in several NATO exercises, including the large-scale Air Defender exercise. London has described Air Defender as the most extensive exercise since the end of the Cold War, involving more than 250 aircraft and 10,000 personnel from 25 countries. The exercise highlights the alliance’s emphasis on interoperability, readiness, and the ability to rapidly integrate diverse air forces into joint missions. It also demonstrates the commitment of member states to collective defense and to maintaining freedom of movement for air traffic across Europe’s skies, even amid periods of increased tension. The participation of RAF forces in these drills reinforces the message that allied air policing remains an active, dynamic, and collaborative effort designed to safeguard regional security and to practice the response protocols that would be employed in a real-world scenario. The exercises provide valuable training in air defense coordination, threat detection, and rapid deployment, ensuring that response capabilities stay sharp and effective for future contingencies.