March 8, 2022 9.30 pm This story is over 24 months old

Typhoons from RAF Coningsby supporting NATO Mission over Ukraine crisis

The Lightnings from RAF Marham too!

Typhoon FGR4 jets flying from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus are involved in a NATO led Operation, which was initiated due to the unfolding events in Ukraine.

The jets are taking part in pre-planned Enhanced Vigilance Activity around a week after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

They were joined by the RAF’s newest 5th Generation Fighter jets – The Lightnings from RAF Marham – on March 3, 2022.

The F35 stealth fighters can be armed with a variety of Air-to-Air and Air to Ground weapons, and are capable of multiple simultaneous missions such as air defence policing whilst intelligence gathering.

The RAF are currently contributing Typhoon FGR4 aircraft, flying from both RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. | Photo: MoD

This activity provides air policing of NATO airspace to ensure a robust response to the Russian aggression seen in Ukraine, and further contributing to the security of Europe.

The Royal Air Force said last week that RAF fighter aircraft were patrolling NATO airspace over Poland and Romania.

The aircraft were supported by RAF Voyager Air-to-Air refuelling aircraft from RAF Brize Norton, who offer additional fuel for the fighters. This enables more range, providing greater mission endurance, and showing the reach of UK air power to support NATO’s defence mission.

Group Captain Marr, Station Commander at RAF Marham, said: “The F-35 is an incredibly capable and versatile aircraft.

“Operating alongside Typhoon to maintain the integrity of European airspace and contribute to the NATO mission, the 5th Generation fighter is a world leading aircraft which can simultaneously provide electronic warfare, intelligence gathering and unmatched sensor fusion to support a wide spectrum of combat capabilities.”