UK Fighter Jets Scrambled 21 Times in Response to Russian Aircraft Near NATO Airspace

UK fighter jets have been scrambled 21 times in the last three weeks to respond to Russian aircraft in the Baltic region, as part of NATO's air policing operations. The RAF Typhoon fighters are part of the "quick reaction alert" aircraft used by the Western alliance to secure its eastern European flank. The intercepts included Su-27 fighter jets, long-range bombers, and transport and intelligence collection aircraft. The RAF has also taken part in several major aerial exercises with NATO allies, including the largest since the end of the Cold War.