Eurofighter Begins Testing with APKWS Laser-Guided Rockets

The Eurofighter Typhoon has begun testing APKWS laser-guided rockets, with BAE Systems confirming successful test firings.

APKWS converts standard 70 mm rockets into precision-guided munitions using a laser guidance kit, offering a much cheaper alternative to traditional air-to-ground missiles.

The interest is clear. Modern operations increasingly involve low-cost targets such as drones, light vehicles or dispersed positions, where using expensive munitions is inefficient. APKWS provides a way to match weapon cost to target value without losing accuracy.

For the Typhoon, this adds practical flexibility. It allows the aircraft to carry out precision strike missions at lower cost and with greater sustainability, particularly in prolonged operations.

🇬🇧 UK completes initial F-35B batch as future plans remain unclear

 

The United Kingdom has taken delivery of the final F-35B Lightning II from its initial 48-aircraft order, marking the completion of the programme’s first acquisition phase.

In practice, the fleet stands at 47 aircraft, following the loss of one airframe during a 2021 incident involving the HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The aircraft are jointly operated by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, primarily through 617 Squadron based at RAF Marham. This joint model underpins both land-based and carrier operations.

Recent deliveries have been made in the F-35’s Technical Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration, which has yet to achieve full operational certification, leaving part of the fleet not fully cleared for combat use.

Operationally, the aircraft are already in active use. A contingent is currently deployed to RAF Akrotiri, where they have been involved in defensive missions across the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. These include air defence tasks over Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates amid heightened regional tensions. 

Beyond this milestone, the next phase of the programme remains undefined. The UK’s long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is expected to clarify future procurement.

Current planning, however, indicates a shift. The next tranche—originally expected to consist of 27 additional F-35Bs—is being revised to include a mixed fleet, with 12 F-35A Lightning II for the RAF. These aircraft are intended to restore the UK’s nuclear delivery capability within NATO frameworks.

While the UK maintains a long-term requirement for up to 138 aircraft, no clear timeline or firm commitment exists for reaching that figure. The programme has therefore entered a transition phase, with key structural decisions still pending.

RAF Typhoons to Qatar and USAF F-15 Surge: A Clear Signal to Iran

The recent deployment of RAF Eurofighter Typhoons to Qatar, combined with a significant USAF F-15 movement from RAF Lakenheath toward the Middle East, represents one of the clearest Western military signals in the region since the escalation cycle that began in late 2023.

While officially framed as routine rotational deployments, the timing, scale, and geopolitical backdrop strongly suggest a deliberate show of force aimed primarily at deterring further Iranian escalation.

The Strategic Context: Iran Under Pressure, Region on Edge

January 2026 has seen a sharp deterioration in Iran–Western relations, driven by Iran’s violent internal crackdown on mass protests, triggering new rounds of Western sanctions and Growing concerns about Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, alongside renewed threats toward Israel and US regional assets.

According to reporting by Reuters, Financial Times, The Guardian, and Associated Press, Washington has already ordered a major naval concentration in the region, including a carrier strike group, while explicitly warning Tehran against any further destabilising actions.

The UK decision to deploy Typhoons to Qatar aligns closely with this broader Western posture, strengthening air combat power in the Gulf region at a moment of heightened strategic risk.

RAF Typhoon Deployment to Qatar

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that No.12 Squadron, the joint RAF–Qatar Emiri Air Force Typhoon unit, has deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, under the UK–Qatar Defence Assurance Agreement.

Operating from Qatar places these aircraft within immediate operational reach of Iranian airspace, the Strait of Hormuz, and key maritime chokepoints, delivering a powerful deterrent message without crossing escalation thresholds.

USAF F-15 Deployment from RAF Lakenheath

Parallel to the RAF movement, the United States Air Force has redeployed a contingent of F-15 fighters from RAF Lakenheath to the Middle East theatre.

Although official US statements remain deliberately vague, open-source flight tracking, OSINT monitoring, and defence media reporting confirm a substantial reinforcement of tactical air power.

The deployment is consistent with previous US patterns during regional crises and suggests preparation for air superiority missions, long-range strike readiness and rapid response to proxy-based attacks

The F-15’s large payload, long endurance, and combat-proven record make it particularly suited for deterrence patrols and strike contingency planning.

This airpower surge comes amid a broader Western military repositioning triggered by Iranian actions, including renewed threats toward US regional bases and Israeli infrastructure.

Recent US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s proxy network remains capable of launching coordinated multi-domain attacks, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic systems.

What stands out in early 2026 is the scale and clarity of the deterrent signalling.

Unlike recent years — where Western deployments often focused on counterterrorism or maritime patrol — the current posture strongly resembles classic high-end state-to-state deterrence.

The UK–USA combined posture now mirrors patterns last seen during the height of tensions in 2019–2020, when Iran and the US came close to open confrontation following the killing of IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani.

The simultaneous deployment of RAF Typhoons and USAF F-15s, alongside US carrier strike group movement, points to a coordinated Western response to mounting Iranian pressure tactics.

However, with proxy forces remaining active and political tensions inside Iran escalating, the current air deployments may represent only the opening phase of a longer-term military standoff.

From Cold War Icon to Modern Warfare, The Panavia Tornado Turns 50

On August 14, 2024, the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Panavia Tornado was celebrated. This iconic supersonic combat aircraft was developed during the height of the Cold War by a British-German-Italian consortium. Over five decades, nearly 1,000 units were produced in various versions, including IDS for ground attack, ADS for air defense, and ECR for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.

The Tornado entered service in 1979 and quickly became a cornerstone of the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Although initially designed to counter the Soviet threat in Europe, the Tornado played an active role in numerous post-Cold War conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. During the Gulf War in 1991, for example, the Tornado conducted low-altitude bombing missions in a highly dangerous environment, proving its effectiveness and robustness in combat.

Currently, both Germany's Luftwaffe and Italy's Aeronautica Militare continue to operate Tornados, although both countries plan to replace them with the F-35A. Italy expects to retire its last Tornado by 2025, while Germany plans to do so between 2026 and 2030. The UK's Royal Air Force retired its last Tornados in 2019, marking the end of an era.

The Tornado also had one export customer, Saudi Arabia, which acquired 120 of these aircraft, with approximately 80 still in operation. Besides its combat role, the Tornado has undergone continuous upgrades and modernizations over the years to maintain its relevance in the face of evolving threats.

In March 2024, the German Air Force and Airbus unveiled a special livery on one of the remaining Tornados in service, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of this remarkable aircraft, which remains a testament to international collaboration and engineering excellence.

Turkey Negotiates with United Kingdom for 12 Ex-RAF C-130J Hercules and Plans to Expand A400M Fleet

Ankara is set to bolster its air force once again, this time by focusing on military transport aircraft. Reports from United Kingdom suggest that Ankara plans to acquire 12 of the 14 C-130J Hercules aircraft retired by the British Royal Air Force (RAF), though this information has not yet been officially confirmed.

These rumors have intensified over the past month, but both London and Lockheed Martin have maintained confidentiality about the identity of the potential buyer. Both Turkey and Greece have entered negotiations to acquire these aircraft. The proposed deal includes one "short" C-130J (known as C5 in the UK) and 13 "stretched" C-130J-30s (C4), marking the second batch of surplus Hercules that the Ministry of Defence has sold recently.

In 2015, eight C5 aircraft were retired and sold to Bangladesh (five), Bahrain (two), and the U.S. Navy (one). Since the late 1990s, the RAF has operated the C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules, replacing its older fleet of C-130K models to enhance its tactical airlift capabilities.

Meanwhile, Turkey is also negotiating to acquire six A-400M transport aircraft. The Turkish Air Force currently operates 10 A-400M aircraft and is in talks with Airbus to increase this number to 16.

Breaking: Retired RAF Eurofighter Typhoon Jets in 2025 Could Strengthen Ukrainian Air Force, Reflecting Strong Ties between UK and Ukraine

The recent controversial decision by the United Kingdom to decommission 30 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets by 2025 has almost coincided with the recent pledgefrom British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to allocate £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) in military funding to Ukraine this year during his visit to Kyiv. The procurement of long-range attack drones has been identified as a top priority in this commitment. Military Authorities have indicated that the upcoming drone deliveries represent the most extensive effort by any nation supporting Ukraine in its resistance against the Russian invasion in 2022. The majority of these drones are anticipated to be manufactured in the U.K. However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has stated that collaboration with international partners is underway to substantially increase the quantity of drones provided to the Ukrainian military. As of now, specific details regarding the types of drones covered under this latest weaponry commitment from the British government are not yet available.

This agreement comes at a time of increasing concern in Ukraine over future funding plans by the U.S. and some European nations.

Since the beginning of the conflict with Russia, Ukraine has urgently requested, as a top priority, the supply of fighter jets. Initially, the focus was on acquiring F-16s, despite this model being phased out in many NATO countries in favor of the F-35. In fact, Ukrainian pilots are already undergoing training on F-16s from the air forces of Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, at bases located in Denmark and Romania.

Although the recent UK military aid agreement with Ukraine does not explicitly mention the transfer of Eurofighter jets from the RAF to Ukraine, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a statement during the signing of the agreement on Friday, January 12th, in Kyiv: "I am here with one message: the UK will not waver. We will stand with Ukraine, in their darkest hours and in the better times to come," he said. "The UK is already one of Ukraine's closest partners because we recognize that their security is our security."

Another sign reinforcing this idea is that in Sunak's statement, he mentioned that 'there would be no backsliding on defense aid by the British.' Therefore, the transfer of these redundant Eurofighters from the RAF would not be a red line if it were proposed.

This proposal could have received substantial backing from pro-Ukrainian lobbying groups and pro- Ukrainian think tanks.

The military aid agreement between the United Kingdom and Ukraine on January 12th occurred after the announcement of the retirement of 30 redundant Eurofighter jets from the RAF. However, London is keenly interested in strengthening its ties with the Ukrainian government through the signing of this comprehensive security cooperation agreement during Sunak's visit – his second since assuming the position of prime minister last year.

Something that could further support this "not-so-surprising announcement" is that, at this time, no spokesperson from 10 Downing Street, the Foreign Office, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied the possibility that it could be confirmed.

The Eurofighters that the United Kingdom has announced will be retired began entering service in 2003, with the RAF receiving 53 units of the 'Tranche 1', the first production standard. Other Eurofighter consortium member countries, Spain, Germany, and Italy, also started receiving their Eurofighters around the same time. However, unlike the UK, these countries not only have not announced the retirement of their initial 'Tranche 1' units but are undergoing processes of upgrade and modernization with new software and weaponry. This suggests that the aircraft designated for Ukraine could also enjoy the possibility of these technological upgrades.

The transfer of retired British Eurofighters to Ukraine could significantly bolster the defense and attack capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, marking a dramatic turn in the conflict. Ukraine would gain access to an aircraft that would far surpass in technology, sensors, and weaponry any combat aircraft in the Russian Air Force, including the SU-30 and SU-57.

UK's Retirement of 30 Eurofighter Typhoon Jets by 2025 Raises Defence Capability Concerns, roughly 107 Eurofighters left for RAF

The recent announcement by the United Kingdom to retire 30 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets by 2025 has sparked widespread concerns about the nation's military capabilities, particularly in potential conflict scenarios. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the UK has only received a total of 31 F-35 out of the planned 48 for the initial phase to be operated by both the RAF and the Royal Navy. There are ongoing negotiations for the purchase of an additional 26 F-35B VTOL aircraft, potentially raising the total to 76 F-35s, although this has not been officially confirmed. Voices within the UK have expressed concerns that the RAF could be left with fewer than 150 fighter jets in the near term, a quantity considered wholly inadequate to ensure the fulfillment of both national defense commitments and those of NATO.

These 30 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, part of the Tranche 1 variant, are scheduled for decommissioning. However, their components and equipment will find new life as spare parts for the existing operational Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, following the "Reduce to Produce" initiative.

UK's Minister of of Defence, James Catlidge, clarified, "There are currently 30 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 jets in service, and 26 of these will cease operations by March 2025."

Additionally, four more Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 jets will remain in service until 2027 before being phased out.

Post the retirement in 2025, the UK's Eurofighter Typhoon inventory will shrink to 107 aircraft, consisting of 67 Tranche 2 variants and 40 Tranche 3 variants.

The decision to retire these jets has faced criticism, notably from Member of Parliament Mark Francois, who expressed reservations about the Ministry of Defence's strategy. Francois voiced concerns that removing these jets would create a significant capability void, especially during conflict situations.

"There's a critical capability gap in potential conflict scenarios. It doesn't seem prudent to retire 30 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. They could serve as valuable assets in a war reserve," Francois emphasized.

BAE Systems, responsible for the Eurofighter Typhoon's development, proposed upgrading Tranche 1 aircraft to Tranche 2 or 3 levels. However, the Ministry of Defence hasn't considered this proposal.

"Technically, upgrading Tranche 1 aircraft to Tranche 2 or 3 is feasible. BAE has provided the Ministry of Defence with details regarding the structural and avionic modifications required," explained sources familiar with the matter.

UK Welcomes Second F-35 Squadron, 809 NAS 'Inmortals

The arrival of the first F-35 Lightning II at RAF Marham, Norfolk, in 2018, marked a significant milestone as it was allocated to the historic Squadron 617 "Dambusters". The arrival of the first F-35 Lightning II at RAF Marham, Norfolk, in 2018, marked a significant milestone as it was allocated to the historic Squadron 617 "Dambusters". This squadron, renowned for its rich legacy, became the pioneering unit to be equipped with this cutting-edge fifth-generation aircraft. Now, further bolstering the United Kingdom's aerial prowess, a second squadron, the 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) known as the "Inmortals," has been activated to operate the F-35 Lightning II. The return of the Fleet Air Arm's 809 NAS comes after a hiatus spanning over 40 years, following its disbandment in late 1982.

Dating back to 1941, the 809 NAS saw its initial combat involvement operating the Fairey Fulmar in the Arctic. Its missions extended to engagements in Malta, North Africa, and various theaters of war until its decommissioning in 1982 while operating the Sea Harrier. The rebirth of this squadron was commemorated with a parade and display at RAF Marham.

Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, RAF Air and Space Commander, unveiled the strategic vision, aiming to have "two front-line squadrons of Lightnings at sea, totaling up to 24 aircraft" readily deployable by late 2025. This planning aligns with the slated readiness of the 809 NAS to deploy aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales in 2025. 

United Kingdom is deploying P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and Royal Navy ships to Middle East

The British government has announced a comprehensive deployment package intended to bolster Israel, mitigate the risk of escalation, and provide humanitarian assistance. This package includes Royal Air Force P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, various unspecified surveillance assets, two Royal Fleet Auxiliary support vessels, three Merlin helicopters, and a contingent of Royal Marines. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary plays a critical support role within the Royal Navy.

Maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft operations are scheduled to commence as early as October 13 to monitor threats to regional security, such as illicit weapons transfers to terrorist organizations.

In addition, a Royal Navy task force will set sail for the region next week as a precautionary measure to further assist humanitarian initiatives. This task force will consist of the landing ship dock RFA Lyme Bay and the support and hospital vessel RFA Argus. 

United Kingdom donates 3 SH-3 Sea King to Ukraine

Three former British military Sea Kings will be provided to Ukraine. Apparently first of them has already arrived.

The announcement was made by UK Defense Secretary from Oslo, where he was meeting with officials from allied countries to discuss further support to Ukraine.

In the last six weeks, Ukrainian crews were trained in the UK to fly and maintain the aircraft - to provide search and rescue capabilities.

The Sea King was previously used by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, with the last craft being retired by the Navy in 2018.

Few countries have sent manned aircraft to Ukraine since the start of the conflict, and requests by its government for Western nations to send fighter jets so far remain unanswered.

bbc

NEWS 2022 March, 4

First B-21 has been taken out the production facility and moved to Hangar for Loads Calibration

The first B-21 expected to fly is largely assembled and has moved to a calibration facility, one of the last steps before powering systems and making final checks ahead of first flight.

First B-21 has got landing gear, wheels and wings. Six B-21s are now under construction at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, Calif.

The loads calibration test ensures the structure and gives an insight about if the design meet the needs

The aircraft has not yet been assigned a tail number or name and there is not date of rollout and first flight

airforcemag

RAF P-8 JOINS NATO TO TRACK RUSSIAN VESSELS IN MEDITERRANEAN

A Royal Air Force Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft has joined other NATO ships and aircraft to locate and track Russian Navy warships in the Mediterranean Sea.Deployed to the region on a training exercise, the aircraft was reassigned to support a coalition of NATO warships tasked with the shadowing of Russian vessels.

raf

US Navy recovers wreckage of F-35C that crashed South China Sea

In order to retrieve the wreckage of the military aircraft from "approximately 12,400 feet" deep, a team of US Navy service members used a "remotely-operated vehicle" called the CURV-21 to attach "specialized rigging and lift lines to the aircraft" at the bottom of the ocean.

The US Navy on Wednesday recovered from the bottom of the South China Sea the wreckage of a F-35C that crashed into the deck of a US aircraft carrier in January, the US Navy's 7th Fleet announced in a news release Thursday.

The F-35C crashed into the ocean after failing to make a successful landing on the USS Carl Vinson, while conducting "routine flight operations" on January 24.

cnn

USS Gerald Ford completes sea trials ahead of 2022 deployment

The aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford concluded a maintenance availability and sea trials Monday in preparation for the its first deployment.

After completing modernization and maintenance work, then sea trials, during a sixth-month Planned Incremental Availability at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia, the carrier arrived at Naval Station Norfolk to kick off training and certification.

navytimes

UK interested in acquiring an additional A400 batch

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has for the first time revealed its interest in acquiring an additional batch of Airbus Defence & Space A400M Atlas tactical transports, as the Royal Air Force (RAF) draws close to completing its 22-strong fleet of on-order examples. 

London’s expression of interest in a potential follow-on procurement was briefly included within the MoD’s Defence Equipment Plan 2021-2031 publication, released on 21 February. 

No details about the number of transport aircraft to be sought or the possible timing of an order have been disclosed. The UK had 25 A400Ms on order at the time of the programme’s formal launch in 2003, but its offtake was reduced to 22 as part of an emergency contract revision subsequently agreed between Airbus and its European launch customers. 

Twenty Atlas airlifters have so far been delivered to the RAF, with its remaining two examples due to be delivered this year. The service is facing a looming major reduction in its tactical transport capabilities, due to the early retirement of its remaining Lockheed C-130J Hercules, the last of which are due to depart in 2023. 

flightglobal

 

Royal Air Force Typhoons intercept 2 TU-142 - RAF Chief mocks Russia's planes as 'relics of the Cold War'

The quick reaction alert (QRA) Typhoons were monitoring the Russian Tu-142 BEAR-F maritime patrol aircraft while they operated in the UK’s "area of interest" this morning.
The head of the Royal Air Force dismissed two Russian patrol aircraft as "relics of the Cold War" in a rare public rebuke after British jets were forced to scramble to intercept them. The Typhoon fighters launched from an airbase in Lossiemouth, Moray, as the Russian planes flew close to Norway, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) jets were supported by a refuelling tanker aircraft, which flew from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Working with the Norwegian air force, the jets tracked the Tu-142 'BEAR-F' aircraft, which stayed in international airspace over the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea.
The Russian activity at a time of crisis because of the coronavirus pandemic was condemned by Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff.
"These Russian bombers are relics of the Cold War, do not comply with international air traffic regulations and are a hazard to civilian and military aircraft," he said.
"Despite the global pandemic, the Royal Air Force and our allies continue to ensure Russian military flights pose no threat to NATO and UK airspace."
sky

PATCHES ROYAL AIR FORCE EJERCITO DEL AIRE USAF ARMADA ESPAÑOLA

Royal Air Force MQ-9 REAPER 39 SQN PATCH
USAF SOUTH DAKOTA AIR NATIONAL GUARD
Ejérrito del Aire Eurofighter Typhoon F-18 HORNET 12 WING
Armada Española Infanteria de Marina

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ROYAL AIR FORCE RAF PATCH EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON BEAR-HUNTING RUSSIA TU-95 BEAR

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Bangladesh to receive additional surplus UK C-130J airlifters

The sale of additional UK-surplus Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to Bangladesh has been confirmed by a support contract announced by Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (ADG) on 20 June.
The Asian nation is to receive an undisclosed number of aircraft to add to the two already confirmed via a previous support contract for Marshall ADG. With the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) looking to divest itself of nine 'short-bodied' C-130Js (designated C5 in UK service), all but four aircraft have already been earmarked for customers.
The acquisition of the C-130Js will enable the Bangladeshi Air Force to retire the four C-130Bs that it has fielded since 2001 (these were acquired secondhand from the United States), at the same time as augmenting its three Antonov An-32 'Cline' and three L-410UVP-200 transport aircraft that date from 1989 and 2015 respectively.
Gareth Jennings - janes

First overseas deployment of RAF F-35Bs to Cyprus for EXERCISE LIGHTNING DAWN

The Royal Air Force’s newest fighter left its home base for RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus to take part in its first overseas exercise following introduction.
Several F-35B Lightning aircraft from 617 Squadron, flew from their base at RAF Marham in Norfolk to spend six weeks at RAF Akrotiri as part of Exercise Lightning Dawn.
Owned and operated by the RAF, the Lightning Force is jointly manned by both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.
raf

RAF AIRCREW HAVE COMMENCED FLYING PHASE OF TRAINING FOR P-8A POSEIDON

RAF aircrew have commenced the flying phase of training to fly the Poseidon MRA Mk1 (P-8A), the UK’s new maritime patrol aircraft.
Pilots, Weapons System Officers and Weapons Systems Operators have entered the simulator and flying phase of their six-month course. Meanwhile engineering personnel are similarly progressing through their course at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida.
The personnel, from CXX Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, are being trained by a mix of US Navy and RAF P-8A ‘seedcorn’ one-way exchange instructors on a course which covers a substantial range of topics. This includes being trained to fly at medium and low level over the sea, so that the mission crew can train in Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare.
raf

Hungary, augmented by the United Kingdom and Spain, will lead 50th NATO Baltic Air Policing detachment

Hungary is scheduled to be the lead nation for NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission at Šiauliai, Lithuania, together with augmenting nations Spain and the United Kingdom.
From May 2019 Hungary will take over the lead of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission deploying their JAS-39 Gripen fighter aircraft to Šiauliai, Lithuania. This is the second time since 2015 that Hungary will deploy their Gripen fighters and an air force detachment to lead the mission out of Lithuania.
The Spanish Air Force will also fly their F-18 fighters out of Šiauliai Air Base; their detachment augments the mission under NATO’s Assurance Measures. This is the sixth time Spain has deployed under the mission – twice as lead nation in 2006 and 2016 and three times as augmenting nation at Ämari in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
The Royal Air Force is the second augmenting nation and will fly their Eurofighter aircraft out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia. The United Kingdom was the third nation to lead the mission in 2004 and have since augmented once in Siauliai in 2014 and twice in Ämari in 2015 and 2016.
nato

RAF TYPHOONS INTERCEPT TU-160 RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT OVER THE NORTH SEA

RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon fighter aircraft scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth, with an RAF Voyager from RAF Brize Norton, to monitor two Russian Blackjacks approaching UK airspace las 29th, March.
The RAF worked closely with NATO partners to monitor the Russian aircraft as they passed through a variety of international airspace before they were intercepted over the North Sea. The ighters escorted them from the UK’s area of interest and ensured that they did not enter UK sovereign airspace.
raf.mod.uk