UK Deploys Four RAF Eurofighter Typhoon Jets to Patrol Baltics.

Britain is deploying four Typhoon fighter-jets to the Baltics as part of a Nato show of support against the backdrop of the Ukraine crisis. The defence secretary, Philip Hammond, said: "In the wake of recent events in Ukraine, it is right that Nato takes steps to reaffirm very publicly its commitment to the collective security of its members."

The events in the Ukraine have increased nervousness in the Baltic states, formerly part of the Soviet Union. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are, unlike Ukraine, members of Nato, and Russian action against any of them would automatically trigger a Nato response, making any move by Russia less likely.

The four RAF planes will be based in Lithuania. Planning for the deployment began last month as the Ukraine crisis was developing.

The Typhoons will join six Polish aircraft to take over from a US squadron at present patrolling the Baltics.

The deployment comes six week after the UK deployed airborne early warning aircraft to Polish and Romanian airspace, a move also intended to offer support in response to moves by Russia.