NATO intercepts SU-30, MiG-31, and SU-35 over Baltic Sea
Illustrative photo: NATO intercepted SU-30, MiG-31, and SU-35 over the Baltic Sea (Getty Images)
Last week, NATO fighter jets patrolling the Baltic states intercepted Russian aircraft three times for violating flight regulations, LRT reports.
According to the outlet, the incident occurred on September 30. At that time, NATO fighter jets were scrambled to escort two AN-12 transport aircraft flying from mainland Russia to the Kaliningrad region through international airspace.
These aircraft had their radar transponders switched on but did not have flight plans. They maintained radio communication with the Regional Flight Control Center (RSVS).
On the same day, NATO aircraft also identified an AN-72 transport plane with active transponders and communication with RSVS, as well as four SU-30s and two MiG-31s from Kaliningrad. These aircraft had no transponders, flight plans, or radio contact.
It is noted that NATO fighter jets also escorted one SU-35 and identified a SU-24 tactical reconnaissance aircraft, which flew on October 1 without a transponder, flight plan, or radio communication.
Russian aerial provocations
On September 19, three Russian Aerospace Forces MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace without authorization. The incident was recorded immediately after the aircraft crossed into the country’s territory.
Italian F-35 fighter jets, stationed at the Ämari Air Base as part of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, responded promptly. They took off and escorted the Russian MiG-31s out of Estonian airspace, preventing further violations.
In addition, two Russian fighter jets were detected over the Petrobaltic oil and gas platform in the Baltic Sea. The incident occurred within Poland’s territorial waters.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Russia cynically dismissed the accusations of airspace violations. The Kremlin claimed there had allegedly been no violations and that Russian military aircraft operate "strictly within international rules."
