An RAF commander has said Moray aircrews are delivering a “credible layered defense” of NATO airspace in Eastern Europe to deter further aggression similar to the Crimea annexation.
Crews from RAF Lossiemouth based at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania, are carrying out a Nato Baltic Air Policing mission along with the Spanish Air Force and French Air Force.
Moray Typhoon jets are leading 150 personnel from all over the UK in the peacetime mission that is being run until August 31.
It involves aircraft being ready to scramble 24 hours a day to monitor unidentified or enemy aircraft approaching Nato airspace.
‘Work with allies’
Wing Commander Stu Gwinnutt, 135 EAW commander, says that these missions help grow relationships with NATO allies over a longer time.
He added: “The UK’s commitment to Nato is really important and it is great to provide the capability that is expected of us.”
“It is also a opportunity to work with allies while on ops as normally we just come together for an exercise for a week or two.
“In this deployment, we are there for four months so we can establish relationships and share where appropriate.
He added: “We all learn from each other in this mission.
“Working with allies is really important in building bridges and sharing our experiences.”
Earlier this month, typhoons had to intercept two Russian Il-20 COOT A and two Russian Su-27 Flanker B aircraft operating over the Baltic Sea.
Wing Commander Gwinnutt believes the air policing in the Baltic Region that has been running for 16 years is an “oiled machine” but there is still room for improvement.
He said: “All the nations have done many rotations and on this detachment probably very few of us have done air policing before.
“But it is a tried and tested as other countries have hosted the missions while following the Nato model.
“We are used to providing requirements as we all work to the Nato standard agreement.
“This is a well-drilled and oiled machine now but on an individual basis, we are learning as people go through the process.
“It is about engaging appropriately, getting the training needed and providing training to our partners.”
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