RAF Typhoon fighter jets have intercepted a Russian military aircraft over the Black Sea for the second time in a week, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The incident occurred on Thursday when a Beriev Be-12 maritime patrol aircraft was detected heading south-west from Crimea towards Nato airspace.
The Typhoons, operating from the Mihail Kogalniceanu base in Romania, were scrambled as part of Nato's enhanced air policing mission. Approximately 150 UK personnel are stationed at the base, with 1 (Fighter) Squadron from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray deployed since April alongside the Romanian Air Force.
This marks the fifth such interception by the RAF since the Nato mission began. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, two Typhoons shadowed two suspected Russian Su-30 Flanker aircraft. The RAF stated that the latest scramble aimed to 'deter provocative Russian aircraft and reassure Romania and Nato allies'.
Nato bolstered its eastern flank following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Beyond the Black Sea, more than 800 British troops are deployed in Estonia as part of an enhanced Nato presence in the Baltic states.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson emphasised the UK's commitment to collective defence, stating: 'Whether in the skies over the Black Sea and the Baltic, or on the ground in Estonia, our actions send a clear message - we are collectively ready to respond to any act of aggression and will support our Eastern European allies to deter any threats faced.'
