Several Russian SU-24 Fencer and SU-30 Flanker fighters were tracked on June 22 entering the Romanian Flight Information Region, which is the area of International airspace controlled by Romania. The Russian aircraft had not previously filed flight plans or contacted air traffic controllers.
Across the Wing, I am proud of the work that our pilots, drivers, technicians, intelligence staff and other personnel are doing round the clock to help secure the NATO airspace in the Black Sea region
"Today's successful first scramble demonstrates that we are fully integrated into the NATO Air Policing system from our operating base here in Romania," said Wing Commander Stephen Lamping, Commanding Officer of the RAF Typhoon detachment based in Romania said. "This was a routine operation that the RAF has a great deal of experience in and was no different to what other NATO aircraft do in other areas on a regular basis," he added.
A Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter aircraft taking off from Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base near Constanta on the Black Sea coast. The Royal Air Force detachment arrived here in May and has since flown alongside the Romanian Air Force to demonstrate NATO cohesion and Alliance vigilance. Archive photo - Crown Copyright.
Operating from the Romanian Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base near Constanta on the Black Sea coast RAF Typhoons were scrambled to intercept and directed by RAF and Romanian Air Battlespace Managers operating from the Romanian Control Reporting Centre. The Russian aircraft left the Romanian FIR before the RAF Typhoons come within visual range of them.
"Across the Wing, I am proud of the work that our pilots, drivers, technicians, intelligence staff and other personnel are doing round the clock to help secure the NATO airspace in the Black Sea region," said Wing Commander Lamping.
For six decades, NATO Air Policing has ensured safe skies above all the Allies in Europe; from 13 to now 30 members. The enduring defensive mission is a visible expression of how the NATO Alliance provides security to its member nations. In a collective effort, all 30 Allies contribute to the mission ensuring 24/7/365 vigilance.