RAF Typhoons intercept multiple Russian aircraft

RAF Typhoons were yesterday (Tuesday 17 June) scrambled to intercept multiple Russian aircraft as part of NATO's ongoing mission to police Baltic airspace. The Typhoon aircraft, from 3 (Fighter) Squadron, were launched after four separate groups of aircraft were detected by NATO air defences in international airspace near to the Baltic States.

Once airborne, the British jets identified the aircraft as a Russian Tupolev Tu22 'Backfire' bomber, four Sukhoi Su27 'Flanker' fighters, one Beriev A50 'Mainstay' early warning aircraft and an Antonov An26 'Curl' transport aircraft who appeared to be carrying out a variety of routine training. The Russian aircraft were monitored by the RAF Typhoons and escorted on their way.

The Typhoon pilots involved in the operation were Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Mark Long of 29 (Reserve) Squadron (the Typhoon operational training unit) and a French Air Force exchange pilot Commandant Marc-antoine Gerrard who is currently attached to 1(Fighter) Squadron.

Flt Lt Long said: "The Typhoon is a superb aircraft that makes intercepting other aircraft exceptionally easy, today's interception of the Russian Flankers is all in days work for an RAF fighter pilot."

Typhoon Detachment Commander Wing Commander Ian Townsend said: "we regularly intercept Russian and civilian aircraft from UK Quick Reaction Alert and so this type of mission is core business for us and exactly what we were sent to the Baltic region by NATO to do. It was a thoroughly successful operation with both my groundcrew and aircrew performing to the exacting professional high standards I have come to expect."

Court gives three more months to Arctic 30

A court in St Petersburg has ruled that a Greenpeace International activist could remain in jail in Russia until at least February. A further four activists and two freelance journalists – all members of so-called ‘Arctic 30’ – face hearings today, with Russia’s powerful Investigative Committee applying for extensions to their detention. The 28 activists and two freelance journalists have been detained since their ship was seized at gunpoint by Russian security forces exactly two months ago.

This morning a judge at St Petersburg’s Primorskiy courthouse ruled that Australian Colin Russell must remain in jail until February 24 while the investigation into a protest continues. A request for bail or house arrest was denied. Before being told he must remain in prison, Colin told the judge: “I haven't done anything wrong. I don't understand the reasons why I've been detained. I've done two months hard time for nothing. I've done nothing wrong.” After being informed of the court’s ruling, he said: “I love you all. I love everybody. I am not a criminal.” The thirty were held after a protest in international waters at a Gazprom operated Arctic oil rig.

Reacting to the news, Greenpeace International Executive Director Kumi Naidoo said: “The authorities say they need three months more to investigate an imaginary offence over which they have no jurisdiction. They say they need to keep those brave men and women in jail until February so they can probe a crime that simply did not happen. This case is now a circus. Our friends may now be in jail for months longer, all because they made a stand for all of us in the pristine Arctic. We will continue to pursue every legal avenue we can, and leave no stone unturned, until each and every one of them is home with their families. We hope the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea will order their release when they adjudicate on Friday.”

Lawyers for Greenpeace will now appeal the decision and apply for bail for the detainees. If bail were to be granted it could be subject to travel restrictions while the investigation continues. Prosecutors in court are not seeking extension of detention for piracy - the original charge brought against the 30. However, formal withdrawal of the piracy charge requires a written statement. Lawyers for the detainees have petitioned for such a statement but it has not been given - indicating that this is a policy decision and not an oversight by the authorities.

Activists in court today are Ana Paula Maciels (Brazil); Colin Russell (Australia); David John Haussmann (New Zealand); Ekaterina Zaspa (Russia); Andrey Allakhyerdov (Russia). Freelance journalists Kieron Bryan (UK) and Denis Sinyakov (Russia) are also appearing in court.