RAF Typhoons ‘intercepts Russian aircraft’

Russian Federation has flown hundreds of aircraft and positioned dozens of ships during the last 18 months near the territory of the former Soviet republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, prompting alarm across Eastern Europe and inside North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

It came as it emerged there has been a sharp rise in the number of times British jets have been scrambled this year.

In light of this threat, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation could employ what’s known as the Baltic Air Policing mission, which is a group of alliance members that monitor the otherwise unprotected skies of the three Baltic states, none of which has an air force.

In the latest incursion by Russian jets, they were dispatched on Friday after they were picked up by North Atlantic Treaty Organisation radar.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said that the RAF had again “demonstrated our commitment to NATO’s collective defence”.

The Russian planes appeared to be carrying out routine training, but the incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Baltic states in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

“Air interceptions such as this highlight the vital importance of the UK’s contribution to the Baltic Air Policing mission and demonstrate our collective resolve to protect North Atlantic Treaty Organisation airspace alongside our allies”.

Meanwhile the Russian government-owned Tass news agency reported that Moscow would deploy its new Armata tanks to divisions in its Western military district by Christmas.

The EU and US has since accused Moscow of fomenting the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine and have imposed economic sanctions in response.