RAF Typhoons scrambled six times in six days amid rising Russian air activity

On 7 June, RAF Typhoons responded to an unidentified aircraft departing the Kaliningrad Flight Information Region (FIR), later identified as a Soviet-era An-30, known by NATO as CLANK. The aircraft was shadowed to ensure airspace safety, before the Typhoon pilots were re-tasked mid-sortie to intercept an Il-20M COOT A, a Russian surveillance platform.

“Today marked my first operational scramble, and while the adrenaline was high, training took over the moment we launched,” said one of the EAW pilots. “Intercepting two aircraft in one mission was an intense and eye-opening experience; it reinforced the reality of our role and gave me a new level of respect for the demands of QRA.”

The following day, Sunday 8 June, RAF Typhoons identified two armed Russian Su-24M bombers, NATO code name FENCER D, after they exited Kaliningrad FIR. The aircraft were split and individually escorted, with one conducting low passes over the US Navy supply ship USNS William McLean.

On Monday 9 June, the Typhoons once again intercepted an An-30 CLANK and an Il-20M COOT A within 48 hours of their previous encounter. Both aircraft were monitored until NATO concluded shadowing was no longer necessary.

Tuesday 10 June saw the Typhoons initially intercept another Il-20M COOT A, before meeting a German Air Force Airbus A400M for mid-air refuelling to extend their mission. They were then directed to intercept a suspected An-30 CLANK and later a Tupolev Tu-142 BEAR F maritime patrol aircraft, which was accompanied by two armed Su-27 FLANKER B fighters.

“This was an extremely busy scramble,” said an EAW pilot involved in the mission. “But intercepting a third aircraft in the same sortie is a first for me.”

Reflecting on the operation, the pilot added: “Today this training was put into operational use, and with the support of the Luftwaffe we were able to extend our sortie and stay on task as long as NATO required.”

OC No II (AC) Squadron commended the collaboration, stating: “Utilising the AAR platform of our NATO ally has not only extended the effectiveness of our sortie, but also reinforced the strength and trust that defines our alliance.”

On Wednesday 11 June, RAF Typhoons were again scrambled to intercept a suspected An-30 CLANK, shadowing the aircraft as it approached NATO airspace. The following day, Thursday 12 June, RAF aircraft intercepted two Su-24 FENCER bombers, followed by an Il-20 COOT A during the same sortie.

Operation Chessman is the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission, with RAF personnel from across the service deployed to Malbork Air Base under 140 EAW. The deployment includes cooperation with Sweden, NATO’s newest member.

Source: Royal Air Force (RAF).