Coningsby jets fly out take on air policing role mission with NATO

On Wednesday 24 April, Typhoons from RAF Coningsby flew to Estonia in support of NATO operations.

The four aircraft from the Lincolnshire station flew to Amari Air Base to take part in the Baltic Air Policing mission, a four-month detachment that sees RAF aircraft patrol the eastern flank of the NATO alliance.

The Baltic Air Policing operations began in 2014 after the Russian annexation Typhoon pilots from XI Squadron walking to their
aircraft.
Image by SAC Ciaran McFalls EMN-190425-160335001 — On Wednesday 24 April, Typhoons from RAF Coningsby flew to Estonia in support of NATO operations. The four aircraft from the Lincolnshire station flew to Amari Air Base to take part in the Baltic Air Policing mission, a four-month detachment that sees RAF aircraft patrol the eastern flank of the NATO alliance. The Baltic Air Policing operations began in 2014 after the Russian annexation Typhoon pilots from XI Squadron walking to their aircraft. Image by SAC Ciaran McFalls EMN-190425-160335001

The four aircraft flew to Amari Air Base in Estonia to conduct the next round of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission and take over from German Airforce Typhoons.

The RAF Coningsby Station Commander, Group Captain Mark Flewin said: “Our aircraft have deployed to Estonia today as part of our on-going commitment to support NATO.

“We are there primarily to re-assure our allies, but to also be prepared to secure the airspace of our NATO partners, in the same way as we guard our airspace at home.”

RAF Coningsby Typhoon taxiing for take-off.
Image SAC Ciaran McFalls EMN-190425-160324001 — RAF Coningsby Typhoon taxiing for take-off. Image SAC Ciaran McFalls EMN-190425-160324001

In Estonia, the RAF aircraft from XI (Fighter) Squadron will be at readiness to intercept aircraft entering the eastern flank of the NATO alliance airspace, working in coordination with other NATO allies based in Latvia.

This is the third time that RAF Typhoons have deployed to Estonia, the last occasion was in 2016.

The Baltic Air Policing operations were enhanced in 2014 after the Russian annexation of Crimea and was part of the Assurance Measures agreed by the NATO Allies at the Warsaw summit of that year.

XI (Fighter) is the world’s oldest, dedicated fighter unit and has previously flown, amongst other aircraft, the Bristol Scout, Hurricane II, Lightning F6 and Tornado F3, converting to Typhoons in 2007.