Royal Air Force Typhoons were invited to support the Estonian Independence Day celebrations in recognition of the UK’s close relationship with Joint Expeditionary Force partner nations.
Estonia celebrated its 104th Independence Day with festivities consisting of a static parade, which was hosted by President Alar Karis and led by Lieutenant General Martin Herem, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces. A formal reception hosting local dignitaries was supported by more than 700 people and 18 units of equipment, including NATO troops and a flypast of 4 Typhoons from 6 Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth.
"This was an excellent occasion to showcase our close friendship with Estonia by supporting their Independence Day, as well as providing training opportunity to work alongside the Estonian Defence Forces and other NATO allies.
This is one part in a series of opportunities designed to continuously improve interoperability with our Joint Expeditionary Force and NATO partners, and strengthen our relationship as part of our commitment to collective defence in Europe."
Air Vice-Marshal Phil Robinson,
Air Officer Commanding Number 11 Group
Departing RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the aircraft flew East with support from Brize Norton. The formation joined with aircraft from the Estonian Police and Border Guard, Estonian Air Force L-39 Albatross and F-16s from both the Polish and Belgian Air Forces as they passed over Freedom Square in the heart of Tallinn.
"It was a privilege to represent the UK and RAF with a Flypast of 4 Typhoons for today's Estonian Independence Day celebrations; it is the great collective effort from across the RAF that enables the timely projection of Air Power from the UK in support of NATO allies."
RAF Typhoon Pilot
