Royal Air Force Typhoons have intercepted a Russian military formation operating over the Baltic Sea.

The aircraft, currently deployed to Lithuania, were scrambled to a Russian IL-38 ‘MAY’ Maritime Patrol Aircraft, being escorted by two SU-27 Flanker B fighters. 

The RAF said it was the first time in recent years the service had seen and intercepted a ‘MAY’ aircraft.

Officials said the aircraft were operating alongside a Russian Oscar-class submarine that was pictured on the surface by Typhoon aircrew as it transited west across the Baltic Sea.

The formation was monitored through the Lithuanian Flight Information Region but remained in international airspace.

The Air Force said the intercept was the second of the week after Typhoons were scrambled to monitor SU-27 Flankers as they passed through Lithuanian controlled airspace.

Personnel and jets from 135 Expeditionary Air Wing are in the country as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, as part of Operation Azotize.

The RAF is tasked with helping to protect NATO airspace in the region from Siauliai Air Base alongside the Spanish Air Force. 

The French Air Force is currently based in Estonia, also on the NATO mission. 

Earlier this week, the President of Lithuania visited RAF personnel in the country to thank them for their work.

Cover image: RAF Typhoon pictured flying alongside two of the Russian jets (Picture: RAF).