German jets intercept Russian aircraft in Baltic amid rising tensions
The Defence Blog portal reports that Germany launched its Eurofighter Typhoon jets stationed in Latvia to intercept two Russian MiG-29K aircraft. The MiGs flew without a flight plan and did not establish contact with civilian air traffic control.
The incident was said to have occurred on Wednesday, July 10th, in the Baltic Sea region, in international airspace. The German Eurofighters stationed in Latvia, which are part of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, had to respond to the suspicious flight carried out by an aircraft belonging to the Russian Federation.
German jets took off from Latvia
Defence Blog reminds us that the presence of German jets in Latvia is due to NATO agreements made after the Baltic states joined the alliance, specifically the permanent mission assigned to member states to patrol the airspace in the region. "This mission has been in place for two decades, demonstrating NATO’s commitment to the territorial integrity and security of its Baltic members," the report reads.
At the same time, the interception of the two Russian MiG-29s is another such incident highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. Defence Blog also reminds us that according to NATO representatives, such interceptions are routine and conducted professionally to avoid threatening international airspace.
Typhoons intercepted Russian MiGs
What specific planes were involved in the recent incident? On NATO's side, it was the aforementioned Eurofighter Typhoons, whose history dates back to the 1970s, although the first flight of this European plane took place in March 1994.
The Typhoon is built in a canard configuration and powered by two EuroJet EJ200 turbofan engines, which propel the aircraft to Mach 2, or approximately 2,000 km/h. Its cruising speed with full armament reaches Mach 1.3 (about 1,600 km/h).
The primary weapon for engaging the enemy is a Mauser BK-27 cannon with a calibre of 27mm. Its offensive capabilities are significantly enhanced by missiles that can be mounted on underwing pylons. These can include AGM-84, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120, and Storm Shadow.
On the other hand, the Russian side in the interception was represented by two MiG-29Ks, multi-role fighter aircraft first flown in 1988. These Russian aircraft are powered by two Klimov RD-33MK turbofan engines, propelling the plane to speeds over Mach 2 (precisely 2,200 km/h).
The MiG-29K can operate at a maximum altitude slightly lower than the Typhoon, climbing up to 17,500 metres, while the European equipment can fly at 18,300 metres. The MiG's primary armament is a standard GSh-30-1 aircraft cannon with a calibre of 30mm. Under the aircraft, there is space for nine hardpoints that can carry, among other things, S-5, S-8, and R-73 missiles or bombs from the KAB family.
