RAF completes NATO air policing mission

Royal Air Force personnel have completed a four-month-long air policing mission in Estonia.

During the NATO mission, pilots intercepted 50 Russian aircraft and flew for a combined total of more than 500 hours.

Members of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing (140 EAW) have now returned to the UK after being deployed to Ämari Air Base since the start of March, along with a squadron of RAF Typhoon fighter jets.

The personnel had been conducting Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) intercepts of Russian aircraft transiting close to NATO airspace.

Op Azotize began with RAF pilots flying missions alongside the German Air Force and the first ever air joint air intercept between NATO allies took place, when British and German Typhoons shadowed a Russian air-to-air refuelling aircraft and transport aircraft.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace said: "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.

"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."

Air & Space Commander, Air Marshal Harv Smyth, 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."

Image: TUBS, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons