RAF and German Air Force in historic NATO Air Policing Effort in Estonia

Pilots from both nations took part in sortees from Ämari Air Base, side by side, intercepting Russian military aircraft.

RAF Typhoon pilot Flt Lt Charlie Tagg (IX (B) Sqn) says: "Within days we had conducted several successful intercepts which ran exactly as if both aircraft were from the same nation. That's a testament to the two Air Forces' ability to interoperate. The more we operate together the more we are able to embrace our differences. Now each nation is using them to learn and broaden their operational outlook.

"Given the proximity of Russia to Amari Air Base, the number of scrambles has been higher than what we encounter back in the UK. However, so far, all the flights we've conducted have been benign, with aircraft transiting close to, but not within, NATO airspace.

"The main reason for us getting airborne to make an intercept is that the target hasn't identified itself to civil or military air traffic control. By getting alongside them as quickly as possible, we can accurately identify and pass details on. This gives NATO an idea of the aircraft's likely intentions and destination so that they can coordinate airspace accordingly. If the target manoeuvres too close to NATO airspace, then the controlling agency will coordinate our response."

His 'new' colleague German Air Force pilot LtCol Hachmeister (DEU DetCo) said that the Typhoon is tailor-made for the Air Policing role. He says: "The flight control system and all the flying related functions make the flying very easy, so the pilot can concentrate on the mission. The engine performance gives the pilot the capability to intercept at any height and at any speed.

"The cockpit design is pilot-friendly. The autocue display shows all the relevant switch positions during the start up phase. That's especially helpful when you have to scramble at one o'clock in the morning.

"The aircraft is one of the most capable weapon systems in the world. Apart from the Air Policing role, the system has proven itself in its air to ground role."

Flt Lt Charlie Tagg (IX (B) Sqn), added. "The key factor is that Typhoon is fast in a straight line and can gain altitude quickly. We can make intercepts within a short period and react to any dynamic and changing scenario at speed.

"One major difference here compared to the Quick Reaction Alert back in the UK, is that we have a sensor we use for Air-to-Ground missions, linked to the radar it has an Air-to-Air capability. That enables us to visually identify an aircraft from long distance - long before we would with the human eye."

Both pilots believe that the future for Typhoon is exciting. Says LtCol Hachmeister: "I made my first flight in the Eurofighter in 2014 and the development since is impressive. Over the years, the software changes have made the pilot's life easier.

"The integration of new weapons, like the Meteor, is changing the system's capabilities drastically. And this will not be the end by a long shot. I'm confident Eurofighter, with its future developments, will be a very important fighter jet for all user nations for decades."

Flt Lt Charlie Tagg has been flying the Typhoon for over seven years. He too has seen at first hand massive advances in both the hardware and software. He says: "It has developed massively, especially in the Air-to-Surface environment. Brimstone and Storm Shadow now compliment the Paveway4 weaponry. There is also enhanced software which runs alongside these capabilities, all aided by the new Litening 5 recce pod.

"The Meteor long-range missile has enhanced our relevance in the Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air arena. The next game changer will be the new the E-Scan radar, the ECRS MK2.

"As our capabilities evolve so will our tactics. This will keep us relevant as both a stand-alone asset and when we are working closely with fighters, such as the F-35."

LtCol Hachmeister (DEU DetCo) says the value of the combined mission is a good opportunity to enhance our capabilities and interoperability.

"The German Eurofighter and the UK Typhoon look pretty much the same but they are not identical systems. We are still making both systems comparable, especially for the first and second line of maintenance. That said, working on general parts of the aircraft is not a big challenge.

"As for flying in a multinational environment, well that's normal for the aircrews. After one or two familiarisation flights the small differences were addressed. Pilots train to operate in a multinational environment pretty much from the beginning of our careers. But when it gets to national secret systems and data, the interoperability stops."