Since Saturday 07 June 2025, Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons have conducted a total of six NATO enhanced Air Policing missions in six days, intercepting a total of 15 Russian aircraft.
The aircraft have been based at the 22nd Tactical Air Base, Malbork, Poland since 01 April 2025, with this past week being the busiest of their deployment.
Saturday 07 June 2025, the Malbork based Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were scrambled initially to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving the Kaliningrad Flight Information Region (FIR). The unknown aircraft was an An-30, known by its NATO code name CLANK, a Soviet-era twin turboprop aerial photography platform. Once the aircraft was identified the pair of Typhoons then shadowed the CLANK, this is done to protect all other aircraft in the vicinity, to ensure the safety of everyone.
Like the scramble on Thursday 05 June 2025, NATO then re-tasked the pair to intercept another aircraft flying in the same area, the second aircraft intercepted during the same sortie was an Ilyushin Il-20M. Known by its NATO code name COOT A, a Soviet-era Communication and Electronic signals Intelligence surveillance-reconnaissance aircraft. Again, once intercepted and identified the COOT A was shadowed until it was deemed it was no longer required.
“Today marked my first operational scramble, and while the adrenaline was high, training took over the moment we launched. Every decision, every movement was second nature thanks to the preparation we’ve undergone. It was a humbling reminder of the responsibility we carry and the importance of staying sharp and always ready.”
EAW Pilot
They added, “Once our escort of the CLANK was complete, we were re-tasked to intercept an unidentified aircraft transiting close to NATO airspace. The transition was seamless, command provided updated vectors, and we adjusted our intercept profile accordingly. Intercepting two aircraft in one mission was an intense and eye-opening experience; it reinforced the reality of our role and gave me a new level of respect for the demands of QRA.”
Sunday 8 June 2025, Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were scrambled to intercept and identify two unknown aircraft as they left Kaliningrad FIR. On interception the Royal Air Force pilots were able to identify them as two armed Sukhoi Su-24M, known by its NATO code name FENCER D. The aircraft is a supersonic, all-weather tactical bomber developed in the Soviet Union. Once identified the pair split with a Typhoon tasked to escort each aircraft. One FENCER D then proceeded to conduct low passes over the United States Navy Ship (USNS) William McLean.
Monday 9 June 2025, for the second time in 48 hours Typhoons were tasked to intercept an Il-20M COOT A and An-30 CLANK. Both were shadowed by Typhoons until NATO deemed it was no longer required.
Tuesday 10 June 2025, The Malbork based Typhoon FGR4 aircraft were scrambled to initially intercept an unknown aircraft leaving the Kaliningrad FIR. The unknown aircraft was identified as an Il-20M COOT A.
On completion of the COOT A tasking, the Typhoons met with a Luftwaffe Airbus A400M Atlas air-to-air refuelling (AAR) aircraft operating in the area. Following refuelling, the pair were instructed by NATO to intercept a suspected An-30 CLANK, which was operating in the area.
When NATO deemed the shadowing of the CLANK was no longer required, the Typhoons were again re-tasked. This time to escort a Tupolev Tu-142, known by its NATO code name BEAR F. A Russian maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft derived from the Tu-95 turboprop strategic bomber. The BEAR F along with a pair of armed Sukhoi Su-27, FLANKER B were intercepted and shadowed, until they were handed over to another pair of NATO Air Policing aircraft.
“This was an extremely busy scramble. Over the past few weeks, we have become accustomed to intercepting one aircraft and then re-tasked to intercept a second. But intercepting a third aircraft in the same sortie is a first for me.”
An EAW pilot
They added, “Whilst on Operation CHESSMAN we have trained numerous times with NATO partners, including the German A400M AAR platforms. Today this training was put into operational use, and with the support of the Luftwaffe we were able to extend our sortie and stay on task as long as NATO required.”
“Utilising the AAR platform of our NATO ally has not only extended the effectiveness of our sortie, but also reinforced the strength and trust that defines our alliance. This collaboration exemplifies the power of interoperability, shared capability, and mutual support. On behalf of our two aircrew, thank you to our German colleagues for your critical contribution.”
OC No II (AC) Squadron
Wednesday 11 June 2025, NATO scrambled Typhoons from their Malbork base to intercept and identify a suspected An-30 CLANK. Once the Russian aircraft was identified, NATO instructed the typhoons to shadow the aircraft while it transited close to NATO air space.
Thursday 12 June 2025, Typhoons were scrambled by NATO for the sixth time in six days. Initially to identify a pair of unknown aircraft, on interception they were identified as a pair of Su-24 FENCER aircraft. On completion of the two FENCER aircraft tasking, the Typhoons were re-tasked to intercept and shadow an Il-20 COOT A in the area.
Op Chessman is the UK contingent delivering the NATO eAP mission. RAF personnel are currently deployed at Malbork Air Base and are under the command of 140 EAW. The operation sees personnel from across the RAF deployed to Malbork alongside NATOs newest member Sweden.
