Germany scrambles jets after Russia military aircraft flies over Baltic Sea

A Russian reconnaissance aircraft entered neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea, according to Germany’s air force, and two Eurofighter jets were used to track it.

The air force claimed in a statement that NATO had ordered its “quick reaction alert force” to look into an unidentified aircraft that was reportedly in flight without a plan or radio contact on Sunday.

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Russian IL-20M reconnaissance aircraft was involved. We returned to Rostock-Laage after completing visual identification and handed over escort duties to our NATO partners in Sweden,” it continued.

As NATO prepares to convene its North Atlantic Council on Tuesday to discuss a separate incident involving Russian aircraft over Estonia, the operation was conducted.

The meeting is aimed at addressing what Tallinn described as an “unprecedented and brazen” airspace invasion by three Russian MiG-31 fighters who entered without authorization on Friday and remained there for 12 minutes before departing.

NATO and European governments, who criticized the claim, dubbed the incursion a “reckless” and “dangerous provocation.”

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal requested “NATO Article 4 consultations” right away regarding the “totally unacceptable” incursion. When a state believes its territorial integrity, political independence, or security are in danger, NATO members are able to consult with the alliance under Article 4.

Estonia summoned Moscow’s charge d’affaires in protest, while Russia’s Ministry of Defense refuted the claim.

A number of airspace violations along NATO’s eastern flank have raised tensions in recent weeks.

Romania reported last week that its radar picked up a Russian drone, prompting it to fire fighter jets. Poland reported earlier this month that it had shot down several drones in an airstrike against Ukraine by Russia, marking the first NATO forces to directly participate in that conflict.