RAF Typhoons have flown shoulder-to-shoulder with Polish MiG-29UBs and Swedish JAS 39 Gripens in a show of Nato strength over Poland and the Baltic region.
The joint mission, Operation Chessman, has now concluded, but it highlighted Nato’s ability to respond at a moment’s notice to potential threats. Based from Malbork Air Base, the aircraft carried out constant patrols as part of Nato’s enhanced Air Policing mission, maintaining 24/7 readiness to safeguard allied airspace.
One high-profile interception involved a Typhoon from II Army Cooperation (AC) Squadron meeting a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M spy plane, known to Nato as the Coot-A. The Typhoons, MiGs, and Gripens demonstrated rapid reaction capability, delivering a clear message: Nato watches and responds.
Wing Commander Chris Jacob, commander of the RAF detachment, said: “We’re here for Nato, we’re here for its members. The speed at which we can get alongside aircraft of interest shows the strength and coordination of our air policing mission and underlines our collective deterrence.”
Colonel Anders Gustafsson, representing the Swedish contingent, added: “We want to show that we are here to defend our allies and are ready to support them.”
II (AC) Squadron, based at RAF Lossiemouth, provided the Typhoon element of the mission. One of the UK’s two Quick Reaction Alert stations, the squadron has a long history of air defence, flying aircraft including the Spitfire XI, Phantom FGR2, and Tornado GR1A. It has also carried out QRA operations from Estonia as part of Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission.
Operation Chessman demonstrates Nato’s commitment to defending its eastern flank and the ability of allied air forces to act swiftly against any potential incursion.
