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Nato intercepts Russian fighter jets after violation of Estonian airspace
Nato fighter jets intercepted three Russian MiG-31 aircraft after they entered Estonian airspace in what the alliance described as a “reckless” and dangerous incursion. The episode, lasting about 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland, has heightened tensions on the alliance’s eastern border.
European leaders swiftly condemned the incident. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister, said the violation represented “an extremely dangerous provocation,” while European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Europe “stands with Estonia” and vowed to respond firmly to Moscow’s actions.
The Estonian defense ministry reported that the Russian planes had no flight plans, transponders turned off, and failed to communicate with air traffic control. Italian F-35 jets stationed in Estonia under Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission carried out the interception.
Moscow denied any wrongdoing, insisting the MiG-31s were flying in international airspace between Karelia and Kaliningrad. However, Tallinn has summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires and requested Nato consultations under Article 4 of the alliance treaty, which allows members to seek talks when their security is threatened.
The incident comes just days after Russian drones violated Polish airspace, further fueling concerns of deliberate provocations. Analysts warn the repeated incursions could be an attempt to test Nato’s readiness and political resolve in the Baltic region.