RAF Lossie personnel return home after four-month long mission
Pilots intercepted 50 Russian aircraft
Last updated 3rd Aug 2023
Personnel from RAF Lossiemouth have returned to Scotland after a four-month air policing deployment in Estonia, during which pilots intercepted 50 Russian aircraft.
Typhoon jets flew quick reaction alert missions from Amari air base, intercepting Russian aircraft which came close to Nato airspace.
Known as Operation Azotize, the fighter jets flew for a combined total of more than 500 hours during the Estonian deployment.
Personnel were held ready to respond at a moment's notice if any Russian aircraft posed a potential safety risk by approaching Estonian air space without a flight plan.
Members of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing have now returned to their base in Moray.
An Estonian commander at Amari air base recently said the noise of the Typhoons was the "sound of freedom" - saying he appreciated the RAF's contribution.
The Estonian air force does not have fighter jets of its own to take on the air policing role, but a number of Nato countries have provided this since 2014 as part of a new commitment to the Baltic states.
The UK air wing's deployment included a 21-day period where Russian aircraft were intercepted 21 times.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Hundreds of RAF pilots and personnel have spent months away from their families, working round-the-clock alongside our allies to keep Europe's skies safe.
"The UK's successful leadership of Nato's air policing mission in Estonia, resulting in the interception of dozens of Russian aircraft by the RAF, sends a strong message to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin that we stand united with our allies against any threat to our borders."
When the RAF left, the air policing mission in Estonia was handed over to the Spanish air force.
Air Marshal Harv Smyth said: "While in Estonia, 140 Expeditionary Air Wing has excelled, participating in 12 major Nato and Joint Expeditionary Force exercises in addition to the air policing role.
"I am extremely proud of the whole force's hard work and dedication.
"Now that they are back in the UK, their focus will be straight back to providing UK quick reaction alert, where they will help ensure the safety and integrity of UK airspace, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."