Royal Air Force Typhoons begin training mission in Estonia

Air August 30, 2017

Two Typhoon Fighters from 3 (Fighter) Squadron Royal Air Force have arrived in Estonia to conduct a training mission.

The jets were greeted upon their arrival by the Minster for Armed Forces Mark Lancaster.

The Typhoon Jets arrived to conduct Air Land integration training with the British Army Battlegroup currently deployed in Estonia as part of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Operation.

After first meeting the pilots and ground crew the Minster said: “The UK is stepping up its commitment to NATO including here in the Baltic States. The NATO presence on land, sea and in the air is vital to secure peace and prosperity. We are here standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies in the face of any potential threats, thereby demonstrating our continuing commitment to the security of Europe.”

Squadron Leader Paul Hanson one of the pilots said: “This deployment proves our ability to move fast jets from NATO’s south eastern flank to the Baltic region in a matter of hours, demonstrating the flexibility of air power to reassure our allies at short notice when required to do so.”

He explained the training mission was to conduct Air Land integration activities with the British army and provide air support to some of ground forces during their land based exercises. This would be by using the Litening pod the jets are fitted with the pilots would be able to provide overwatch for the forces on the ground.

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3 (Fighter) Squadron Enhanced Forward Presence Operation Mark Lancaster NATO Royal Air Force Typhoon Fighters