The deployment of four Typhoon fighters to Lithuania has a particular poignancy for RAF Leuchars-based 1 (Fighter) Squadron, whose pilots are flying missions in the Baltic state.
In the Second World War, the only Lithuanian to fly in the RAF flew with the squadron and was executed by the Gestapo on Hitler’s orders.
Having fled his homeland to fight with the Finns, Romualdas Marcinkus had already shot down several German fighters while serving with the French Air Force when he joined the RAF.
He then shot down another in his Hurricane before he too was downed while attacking the battleship Scharnhorst, which was making a daylight dash through the English Channel.
Captured, he was sent to Stalag Luft III, where he became one of 76 servicemen to break out during the Great Escape.
Mr Marcinkus, along with many others, was recaptured and executed a few days later.
Last month, four RAF Typhoon multi-role fighter aircraft arrived at the former Soviet airbase at Siauliai in central Lithuania ahead of a four-month deployment.
They will operate alongside the Polish Air Force to secure Nato airspace in the Baltic region.
Of his deployment to Lithuania, 1(Fighter) Squadron pilot Flight Lieutenant Callum Smith said: “A few weeks ago we paraded our squadron standard at the site of the Great Escape in memory of Romualdas Marcinkus.
“It’s a particular privilege, therefore, to be based here providing reassurance to the population of Lithuania and the other Baltic states.”