Two Eurofighter fighters from Wing 11, deployed in Lithuania, have intercepted and escorted two Russian SU-24D Fencer bombers in international airspace. The action is part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission, activated following previous incidents. Spain participates with these aircraft and a tanker to reinforce the defense of the Alliance's eastern flank.
The Eurofighter's technology in long-range interceptions 🛩️
This type of interception demonstrates the Eurofighter's capability for air policing operations far from its base. The aircraft, with its Captor-M radar and data link, allows identifying and tracking contacts at long range. The support of the Spanish tanker aircraft is key to extending patrol time in a vast operational area.
The Russian Fencers and their eternal "stroll" along the border 🚁
It seems that the Russian SU-24s like to sightsee next to allied airspace, always needing a fighter to escort them. It's their way of saying hello, checking that NATO is still awake. Good thing our pilots have views of the Baltic, because the Fencers' tour is a fixed itinerary. At least this way the Eurofighters accumulate flight hours.