UK deploying Typhoon warplanes near Russia borders: Fallon
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A British Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet is seen on the tarmac at the British airbase at Akrotiri, near Cyprus' second city of Limassol, December 3, 2015. (AFP photo)
The UK defense secretary has announced plans to deploy four Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon warplanes to the Baltic region in order to deter “Russian aggression.”
According to Press TV, British Defense Secretary Michael Fallon made the announcement on Friday, saying the deployment “underlines our commitment to the sovereignty of the democratic nations of Eastern Europe.”
The Typhoons will be deployed in Estonia’s Amari airbase, from where they would join the NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission.
“24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next four months, our RAF Typhoons will be ready to respond instantly to Russian aggression in Baltic airspace,” Fallon noted.
The deployment marks Britain’s third consecutive year of partaking in the BAP, after rotations in 2014 and 2015. During their last deployment, Typhoon fighters were scrambled 17 times, and intercepted over 40 Russian aircraft.
During one launch last July, the Typhoons allegedly intercepted 10 separate Russian aircraft, including eight fighters.
Under BAP, NATO members take turns in protecting the airspace of those members who lack a formidable air force.
The UK says it is “playing a central role in responding to Russian aggression in Eastern Europe” by training the Ukrainian military forces in their fight against the pro-Russian separatist forces in the country’s eastern parts.
The London government has pledged to contribute over 4,000 Armed Forces personnel this year to help the Ukrainian military.
It has also deployed HMS Iron Duke and several other warships near the Russian territorial waters in the Baltic Sea.
ME
