UK jets sent to Estonia to aid Nato operations

TWO RAF Typhoon jets have arrived in Estonia to support Nato operations in the Baltic, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has announced.

The aircraft have been deployed to train and work with UK personnel on the ground, as well as Estonian allies, in the face of increasing Russian aggression.

An 800-strong deployment of British troops to the country was announced in 2016 following continued concerns about Russian activity after its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Sir Michael said: “Since last year’s Warsaw Summit, the UK is stepping up its commitment to Nato, nowhere more clearly than in the Baltic States. Nato’s presence on land, sea and air is vital to secure peace and prosperity. We are there, standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in the face of any potential threats, thereby demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the security of Europe.”

There are currently more than 1,000 British troops deployed across the Baltic region, while the Royal Navy is taking part in Nato training exercises.

Squadron Leader Paul Hanson, a Typhoon pilot based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, said: “The RAF Typhoons are no stranger to the Baltics, we have conducted air policing to secure Nato airspace in the region a number of times in recent years.

“On this occasion, we will be working closely with the British Army and our Allies to improve inter-operability.”

The Typhoons, which have just returned from a deployment to Romania, will be greeted in Estonia by Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster.