British fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft near NATO airspace, as part of the UK’s enhanced air policing operation called Operation Chessman.
Two separate incidents involving British fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace have been reported by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. The intercepts, which took place on April 15 and 17, were part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced air policing operation.
The Russian aviation industry has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.
The country's first indigenous aircraft, the Bolkhovitinov DB-A, was designed in 1930.
Since then, Russia has produced a wide range of aircraft, including military jets like the MiG-29 and Su-35, as well as commercial airliners such as the Tupolev Tu-204.
Russian aircraft are known for their durability and reliability, with many models being exported to countries around the world.
The Operation Chessman: The UK’s Enhanced Air Policing Effort, The UK’s involvement in NATO’s enhanced air policing is called Operation Chessman, which sees personnel from across the RAF deployed to Malbork alongside Sweden, NATO’s newest member. This undertaking follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. The mission demonstrates the UK’s ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed.
The ‘Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard stated that the UK is ‘unshakable’ in its commitment to NATO.’ With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, the mission shows the UK’s ability to reassure allies, ‘deter adversaries,’ and protect national security through its Plan for Change. The operation highlights the UK’s resolve to defend its national security and keep its citizens safe at home.
Luke Pollard is a British Labour Party politician serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport since 2017.
He was born in 1988 in Torquay, England.
Before entering politics, Pollard worked as a teacher and a local councillor.
As an MP, he has been involved in various parliamentary committees, including the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
This is not the first time RAF jets have been used to intercept Russian aircraft. Last year, two Typhoons based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland were scrambled after a ‘Russian Bear-F bomber flew over the North Sea.’ In 2023, 50 Russian aircraft were intercepted by RAF pilots based at Lossiemouth in just 21 days. These incidents are not uncommon and involve RAF crews shadowing Russian military aircraft near UK airspace** and during operations further afield.
Incidents like this, known as ‘quick reaction alerts,’ are not uncommon and have occurred since the Cold War era. They involve RAF crews responding to Russian military aircraft in the vicinity of UK airspace or during operations abroad. These intercepts demonstrate the UK’s commitment to defending its national security and keeping its citizens safe.
In October 2024, ‘RAF fighters were scrambled to intercept a civilian airliner that had reported a bomb on board.’ The alert ended without incident, and the Boeing 777-300 was released to continue to its original destination. This incident highlights the importance of quick reaction alerts in responding to potential security threats.
The UK’s increased defence spending is part of its commitment to NATO’s enhanced air policing operation. The prime minister‘s pledge to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP demonstrates the UK’s resolve to defend its national security and keep its citizens safe at home.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) operates a range of advanced fighter and support jets.
The Typhoon, a multi-role combat aircraft, is the RAF's primary fighter jet.
Other notable aircraft include the 'F-35 Lightning II' , a fifth-generation stealth fighter, and the 'Voyager KC30A' , a tanker aircraft used for refueling operations.
These jets play a crucial role in maintaining air superiority and supporting ground troops in various military missions.
