NATO intercepts Russian jets after Estonian airspace breach, Moscow denies incident
On Friday, three Russian MiG-31 fighter aircraft reportedly crossed into Estonian airspace above the Gulf of Finland, triggering swift reactions from the European Union and NATO, both of which condemned the move as a “provocative act.” Moscow, however, dismissed claims of any violation.
According to Estonian and Italian officials, Italian F-35s operating under NATO’s Baltic air policing mission were dispatched to intercept the Russian planes and drive them away. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised what he described as a “rapid and decisive response.”
A spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) confirmed to AFP that Sweden and Finland also deployed quick reaction aircraft to monitor the situation. Estonia has since requested urgent consultations with NATO partners, echoing Poland’s recent call for talks after reporting a surge of Russian drone incursions. NATO sources in Brussels told AFP that such discussions could take place “early next week.”
The episode adds to growing security concerns on NATO’s eastern frontier. Just days earlier, Poland accused Moscow of sending nearly 20 drones across its territory, a claim Russia firmly denied.
Estonian defence authorities said the three MiG-31s entered airspace near Vaindloo Island without clearance, remained for around 12 minutes, had no submitted flight plans, flew with transponders switched off, and failed to maintain radio contact with air traffic controllers.
“This is yet another instance of reckless Russian activity and a reminder of NATO’s readiness to act,” said alliance spokesperson Allison Hart.
The incident comes at a time when NATO’s eastern flank is on heightened alert. Earlier this month, the alliance took the unprecedented step of downing Russian drones that crossed into Polish territory, marking the first direct engagement of its kind since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, NATO has reinforced border security by deploying additional fighter jets and air defence systems under the ongoing Eastern Sentry operation.