The Russian air force is rapidly increasing its activities around the Baltic states. NATO interceptors in the region are on permanent alert and will take action to intercept Russian aircraft, whether or not they are in international airspace. Last week, Rafales of the Armée de l’Air were deployed to intercept a flight consisting of an IIyushin Il 20 (NATO name “Coot-A”) electronic and radar reconnaissance aircraft and an accompanying Ilyushin IL 78 (NATO name “Midas”) tanker off the coast of Latvia. The Coot spy-plane was on an ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) mission and did not comply with international flight regulations, which probably meant it did not identify itself. The converted Il 18 is equipped with a Side Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) housed in a cigar-shaped case under the fuselage. The SLAR is used for radar imaging and mapping purposes. What the Il 78 did at Lavia is unknown. It could not have been there for in-flight refueling of the Coot-A. As far as is known, the Coot-A is not equipped for refueling in the air. An explanation is that there were Russian fighter aircraft on alert in the area further away from the intercept location. Photos: NATO.
