According to an announcement by the Russian Defence Ministry, tactical fighter jet exercises have commenced over the Baltic Sea. The ministry stated that the primary objective of the exercise is to assess the preparedness of the flight crew for combat and specialized tasks. This development follows a recent incident where Russian jets were reportedly scrambled to intercept UK military planes over the Black Sea.

In a statement on its Telegram channel, the Russian Defence Ministry announced that Su-27 fighter jets of the Baltic Fleet engaged in firing exercises, targeting cruise missiles and simulated enemy aircraft. The ministry confirmed that the drills aim to enhance the skills of fighter pilots and maintain round-the-clock combat readiness in protecting the airspace of Russia's Kaliningrad exclave.

On 26^th of June, the Russian defence ministry reported the scrambling of two fighter jets in response to UK Typhoon warplanes approaching the Black Sea border. The ministry stated that the Typhoon planes were accompanied by an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and that the Russian fighters safely returned to their base after the intervention, with no violation of the Russian border.

Tensions surrounding Russia's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine have led to a surge in interceptions between Russian and Western military aircraft in recent months.

The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed on 25^th of June that Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets, operating as part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia, have been scrambled 21 times in the past 21 days to respond to Russian aircraft.

According to the ministry, the RAF Typhoons are launched to monitor Russian aircraft that fail to communicate with air traffic agencies, posing a risk to flight safety.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace emphasized the significance of collective defence and deterrence provided by NATO, citing these interceptions as a clear reminder of their value.

Earlier in May, Moscow reported intercepting four US strategic bombers over the Baltic Sea on two separate occasions within a week. Additionally, a US Reaper military drone collided with two Russian fighters and crashed into the Black Sea in April. Russian warplanes were also deployed to intercept aircraft from France, Germany, and Poland.

Image source: WION