RAF intercepts Russian jets to defend NATO airspace in WW3 near-miss

British fighter jets were deployed twice within just 48 hours in response to flights by Russian military aircraft near NATO borders, casting doubt on Moscow's claims of an ceasefire. Two RAF Typhoon jets based at Poland's Malbork Air Base were dispatched on Tuesday to intercept a Ilyushin Il-20M reconnaissance aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea, reported. Less than 48 hours after this, another pair were sent to intercept an unidentified aircraft departing from Kaliningrad, Russia's military exclave between Poland and Lithuania.

The interceptions mark the first operational use of the RAF under Operation Chessman, which is NATO's new mission aimed at bolstering air defences across Europe in light of increasing Russian . Ministers described the incidents as further proof that Vladimir Putin is ramping up efforts to test the resolve and readiness of the NATO alliance.

Armed Forces Minister, Luke Pollard, told The Telegraph: "The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO.

"With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our plan for change.

"This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO's newest member, Sweden, and to defend the alliance's airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad."

The Typhoons, usually stationed at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, were recently deployed to Poland as part of a joint operation with Sweden, NATO's newest member.

The move comes as Europe faces mounting pressure to strengthen its own defences amid signals that Donald Trump may reduce US military backing for the continent.

Meanwhile, tensions have spiked further following Putin's announcement of an Easter truce in Ukraine, set to last from Saturday evening until midnight on Sunday but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of continuing attacks, including artillery fire, even as air-raid sirens echoed across Kyiv.