Russian planes on the Baltic Sea. The British picked up fighters

British fighters intercepted Russian aircraft on the Baltic Sea near NATO airspace. The incidents occurred on Tuesday and Thursday – said the authorities in London.

As the British Ministry of Defense reported on Sunday, on Tuesday two Typhoon fighters were picked up to capture the Russian reconnaissance aircraft Il-20M, also known as “COOT”. Two days later, on Thursday, the same machines intercepted the unidentified Russian plane, leaving the airspace of the Kaliningrad circuit.

The British Deputy Minister of Defense Luke Pollard announced that in the face of the growing aggression on the site Russia And the increasing threat to safety, Great Britain takes actions to calm allies, deter enemies and protect their own interests.

“This mission shows our ability to act side by side with the latest NATO member – Sweden, and defense of the alliance aerial space, everywhere and always, when the need arises, making us safe at home and strong outside,” Pollard said in the communiqué.

The Russian side has not yet commented on the incidents.

Russian activity on the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea remains an area of ​​increased military activity since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Countries NATOespecially those bordering with Russia, regularly inform about the interceptions of Russian aircraft near their airspace.

Russia's actions in the region are perceived by your alliance as an attempt to test NATO's defense readiness and a demonstration of strength.

In recent months, Great Britain intensively strengthens its military presence on the eastern Flanka NATO, and in spring she officially joined the alliance Swedenwhich further changes the balance of power in the Baltic Sea.