French Rafale fighters took aim at Russian Su-30SM in the Baltic — MWM

The French Rafale fighters stationed in Lithuania met with the Russian Su-30SM, which are based in the Kaliningrad region. This is reported by Military Watch Magazine (MWM).

"The Rafale of the French Air Force, stationed in Lithuania, met with Russian Su-30SM fighters, which are believed to be located in the Kaliningrad region. It is reported that Rafale pilots used the Thales TALIOS container for guidance and laser guidance during interception, which provides a high-precision long-range visual identification capability. This allows personnel to confirm the type of aircraft and visible weapon loads from a safe distance. The capabilities of the container are especially useful during air policing operations in the Baltic, where the main task is to identify and monitor Russian aircraft,"the publication says.

The "clash" between the Rafales and the Su-30 occurred shortly after the French fighters took up duty in the Baltic Air Police. They arrived at the Siauliai Airbase, located just 130 km from Russian territory, in the first week of April. According to the videos published The French Armed Forces, Rafales were accompanied by a Russian Il-20M electronic reconnaissance aircraft and a Su-30SM fighter operating near NATO airspace. The interception, as stated, was carried out in coordination with the forces of other NATO members.

The Su-30SM is apparently equipped with X-31 anti-radar missiles designed to suppress air defense. At the same time, the possibility of carrying air—to-air missiles remains unclear, the magazine notes.