RAF Typhoons scrambled for their first mission in Romania

Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania - On Thursday, May 3, one week into their mission, two Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons, presently based at Mihail Kogalnicieanu Airbase, Romania were launched for their first Alert-Scramble, safeguarding NATO Airspace over Romania. The Typhoons scrambled as a response to Russian aircraft heading towards NATO airspace over the Black Sea. The Russian military jets were monitored by the RAF pilots as they turned away without coming into visual range.

Wing Commander Chris Ball, Commanding Officer of the RAF’s 135 Expeditionary Air Wing based in Romania said: "Today’s scramble, so early in our mission, proves that we have successfully reintegrated into the NATO air policing system from our base here in Romania. Across the Wing, from our drivers to our technicians, our intelligence staff to the pilots, the team has performed their roles exceptionally well and so I can say with confidence that we are providing effective Air Policing for the Alliance.”

A Royal Air Force detachment is currently based at Mihail Kogalniceanu under NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission, securing the skies alongside Romanian Air Force pilots. Enhanced Air Policing is part of NATO’s Assurance Measures introduced in 2014. At the time the Alliance started implementing these Assurance Measures with the goal to demonstrate the collective resolve of Allies, demonstrate the defensive nature of NATO and deter Russia from aggression or the threat of aggression against NATO Allies. To enhance Air Policing across the so-called Implementation Areas NATO authorized Allies to provide assets to the Alliance supplementing existing Baltic Air Policing capabilities in the northern Implementation Area and, in parallel, augmenting National Air Policing capabilities in the southern Implementation Area.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office