RAF and German fighter jets scrambled to intercept four Russian military aircraft close to Nato airspace

Royal Air Force and German Air Force Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled for a second time in recent days, after four Russian military aircraft were spotted near Nato airspace.

The German and British Typhoon jets are currently operating from Ämari Air Base in Estonia and conducting Nato Air Policing missions in the region.

After four Russian military aircraft were identified, Nato fighter jets were then scrambled to intercept.

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Photos taken at the time of the encounter shows a Russian military Tu-134 passenger jet, known by the Nato name of 'Crusty', was being escorted by two Sukhoi Su-27 flanker fighter jets, and an AN-12 Cub military transport aircraft.

This comes after an American MQ-9 Reaper drone was forced to crash land in the Black Sea following an incident with a Russian Su-27 fighter jet.

Wing Commander Richard Leask, the Officer Commanding IX(B) Sqn operating as part of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing said: "We were scrambled to intercept an aircraft that was approaching Estonian airspace. We quickly identified the Russian aircraft and then monitored it as it flew close to Nato airspace. 

"The Nato Air Policing mission is carried out to ensure any aircraft of interest are intercepted to ensure we know who they are and maintain flight safety for all airspace users."

Wing Commander Leask went on to say that this type of mission is all a part of being a fighter pilot.

The RAF and German Air Force are currently conducting joint air policing missions, a first for the two Nato allies. 

The RAF is deployed on Operation Azotize in Estonia and will take over leadership from the German detachment in April and a RAF spokesperson says that joint missions will continue to be flown until the end of April.