RAF Typhoons scrambled 49 times during NATO Air Policing mission in Romania

RAF Typhoons were scrambled 49 times during a four month NATO Air Policing deployment in Romania, highlighting the alliance’s continued focus on protecting its eastern flank.

The deployment was carried out by Royal Air Force personnel assigned to 121 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) operating Typhoon FGR4 fighters in support of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission in Romania.

The RAF formally handed over operational responsibility for NATO’s eAP mission to the Spanish Air and during a ceremony hosted by the Romanian Air Force at the 86th Air Base (also known as Fetești Air Base) in Borcea, Romania, on 31 July. The event marked the end of the UK’s contribution to Operation Biloxi 2026.

Why were RAF Typhoons deployed to Romania?

Operating under the banner of the 121 EAW, RAF Typhoon FGR4s and personnel from No 3 (Fighter) Squadron – which is home-based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire – conducted NATO Air Policing duties in support of the alliance’s Eastern Sentry enhanced vigilance activity.

This mission was launched in September 2025 to reinforce NATO’s posture along its eastern flank, which has been a key focus for the alliance since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Throughout this deployment, RAF personnel worked closely with Romanian and NATO partners to conduct QRA duties and training exercises that were designed to strengthen the alliance’s overall deterrence, resolve and defence posture. The recent handover to the incoming SASF detachment further demonstrates NATO’s enduring commitment to collective defence across the alliance.

Commenting on the success of this four-month mission, Wg Cdr Wicks-Randy – the officer commanding the 121 EAW – said: “This deployment is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and resilience of every member of the detachment. Our personnel have delivered outstanding results whilst representing the [RAF] and NATO with distinction…

“Typhoon may be the visible symbol of our operation, but it is the people behind the aircraft who make delivering NATO Air Policing possible,” he added.

RAF Typhoons launch 49 QRA scrambles in four months

During the four-month deployment to Romania – which began on 31 March – the RAF Typhoon detachment was launched on a total of 49 QRA scrambles. This comprises seven live ‘Alpha’ scrambles to intercept unidentified aircraft and respond to Russian one-way attack (OWA) drone incursions near NATO airspace, along with 42 ‘Tango’ training scrambles.

The detachment maintained a very high readiness – or ‘alert’ – level for more than 1,500 hours during this deployment. In addition, the 121 EAW played a key role in conducting multinational training and integration activities with local allies while working alongside personnel from eight different NATO member states.

How RAF Typhoons supported NATO’s eastern flank

The deployed Typhoon FGR4s also participated in several major drills during Operation Biloxi, including Exercise Beastling Monolith and Exercise Neptune Strike.

The former saw RAF Typhoon FGR4s deliver air interdiction and close air support (CAS) training with NATO Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), while the latter provided an opportunity for the RAF to strengthen interoperability with key allies through a series of coordinated joint multi-domain operations.

Spain takes over NATO Air Policing in Romania

Like many other NATO allies, the RAF has been a regular contributor to NATO’s eAP initiative in Romania since 2014.

With its latest rotation, Spain will inherit this responsibility and is set to deploy seven F/A-18 Hornet fighters and roughly 200 personnel to the 57th Air Base (also known as Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base) near Constanța, Romania, along with an A400M Atlas for air-to-air refuelling support purposes.