This is the the dramatic moment RAF jets intercept a Russian military aircraft which passed close to Estonian airspace.
Typhoon fighter jets operating from Ämari Air Base in Estonia launched on Sunday to escort the Russian IL-76 military transport aircraft away from Estonian territory.
Dramatic pictures show the jets flying close to the larger Russian plane as they intercepted it as part of a NATO deterrent mission.
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said: 'As this latest Quick Reaction Alert demonstrates, the RAF are frequently called upon to use their world class skills and capabilities to help police and protect the skies over the Baltics.
'Our personnel deployed to Estonia and around the world are always ready to react to any scenario as we continue our commitment to our NATO allies.'
A Typhoon pilot from XI(Fighter) Squadron, attached to 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW), was conducting Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duty when the scramble was called.
He said: 'We were scrambled to intercept an aircraft that was approaching Estonian airspace from the south. We identified and monitored it as it transited close to NATO airspace.
'This is standard protocol for aircraft that might not be communicating with Air Traffic Control or on a recognised flight plan.
'We continued to escort the transport aircraft as it transited in a north direction, away from Estonian airspace.'
The Royal Air Force is deployed on Operation AZOTIZE in Estonia in support of Baltic Air Policing.
This is the 14th QRA scramble and intercept since the RAF took over enhanced Air Policing from the German Air Force on 3 May 2019 as part of Baltic Air Policing.
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