French fighter jets intercept two Russian aircraft near Latvian coast
Photo: French fighter jets intercept two Russian planes off the coast of Latvia (x.com/FrenchForces)
French Rafale fighter jets intercepted two Russian aircraft near the coast of Latvia over non-compliance with international aviation regulations, according to the Joint Staff of the French Armed Forces.
"Rafale scrambled to identify 2 aircraft (IL-78 & IL-20M) off the coast of Latvia failing to conform to international aviation regulations. France remains fully committed to ensure protection of NATO's airspace," the Joint Staff wrote on X.
Photo: French fighter jets intercept two Russian planes off the coast of Latvia (x.com/FrenchForces)
The Il-78 is a Soviet and Russian military transport tanker aircraft, developed on the base of Il-76. It is used for in-flight refueling of strategic and tactical aviation. It is equipped with three fuel dispensing units and additional fuel tanks in the cargo compartment.
The Il-20M is a reconnaissance aircraft based on the Il-18, equipped with special equipment for electronic intelligence, signal interception, and aerial photography. It is used to gather data on military activity, infrastructure facilities, and enemy air defense systems.
In mid-December 2024, US fighter jets intercepted Russian Tu-95 aircraft near Alaska.
