April 29, 2014 4.02 pm This story is over 119 months old

RAF Coningsby Typhoon jets deployed for NATO mission

Typhoon jets: Four Typhoon jets based at RAF Coningsby, near Lincoln, have been deployed for a NATO operation in Eastern Europe.

Four Typhoon jets based at RAF Coningsby, near Lincoln, have been deployed to help in NATO’s Air Policing Mission in Eastern Europe.

The Typhoon FGR4 left the Lincolnshire base on April 28 to take part in the NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The jets will help the Polish contribution to the BAP, a defensive mission undertaken by rotations of aircraft from a number of nations on a four month cycle to reassure Eastern states.

The Typhoons are prepared for flight at RAF Coningsby. Photo: MoD

The Typhoons are prepared for flight at RAF Coningsby. Photo: MoD

Four Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft deployed to take part in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Photo: MoD

Four Royal Air Force Typhoon aircraft deployed to take part in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Photo: MoD

Typhoons are also used for air policing within UK airspace as part of the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) and in the Falkland Islands.

RAF Coningsby Station Commander Group Captain Johnny Stringer MA RAF said: “The men and women of the Typhoon Force are fully prepared and committed to this NATO mission, one of many undertaken by RAF Typhoons at home and abroad. I know they will do us all proud.”

The Typhoon FGR4 landing at the Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania. Photo: MoD

The Typhoon FGR4 landing at the Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania. Photo: MoD

The Typhoon FGR4 aircraft arriving at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania to take part in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission. Photo: MoD

The Typhoon FGR4 aircraft arriving at Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania to take part in the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission. Photo: MoD

Wing Commander Ian Townsend, Officer Commanding 3(F) Sqn, added: “Personnel from 3(F) Sqn lead the Typhoon Force deployment in support of the Baltic Air Policing mission having spent the previous 6 weeks preparing intensively for the task ahead.

“We are trained, equipped and ready to participate in this enduing NATO mission which has similarities to the standing Quick Reaction Alert task held at RAF Coningsby throughout the year.”