Dutch fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft over Baltic Sea

The ministry stated that since the beginning of this month, Dutch F-35 fighter jets have been guarding NATO's airspace along the eastern border of the Alliance's territory.

Part of this mission involves the so-called Quick Reaction Alert (QRA). Two F-35s take off within minutes to intercept another aircraft. This happens, for instance, when an aircraft approaches NATO airspace without identifying itself.

On Friday, two F-35s were deployed to intercept a Russian An-72 transport aircraft and an Su-24 reconnaissance aircraft.

Later, the fighter jets took off again to intercept an Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft. The Dutch F-35s escorted the plane over international waters to the border of NATO's area of responsibility.

"This is why our people are there: to protect our collective airspace against Russian threats," said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

Dutch F-35s intercepted three Russian aircraft from Estonia over the Baltic Sea.

Russian surveillance and spy planes were driven away.

Proud that our Air Force stands ready to protect our joint NATO air space!https://t.co/tLIPlgisON pic.twitter.com/UGtQm5F2vo

— Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) December 9, 2024

Intercepting Russian aircraft

Last month, the United Kingdom deployed fighter jets in response to a Russian aircraft near its borders. However, the Russian plane did not violate British airspace.

In September, the United States intercepted Russian military aircraft near Alaska.

Additionally, in August, Poland launched F-16 fighter jets to track a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea.