Poland intercepts Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea for third day in a row
Photo: Russian Il-20 aircraft (Getty Images)
On July 16, three Russian military aircraft were detected conducting surveillance over the Baltic Sea. They were intercepted, according to Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Poland intercepts three Russian aircraft
Poland twice scrambled its fighter jets during the day to intercept Russian military aircraft over the Baltic Sea:
- two Su-30 fighter jets;
- one Il-20 electronic intelligence aircraft.
According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, Russia is once again testing the capabilities of Poland's air defense system.
"First, a pair of Polish fighter jets from the Malbork Air Base intercepted two Russian Su-30 multirole fighters over the Baltic Sea. After that, Polish aircraft intercepted an Il-20 reconnaissance plane about 30 kilometers north of Jastrzębia Góra," the minister said.
He added that after the interception, the Russian Il-20 was handed over to Swedish fighter jets for escort.
In both cases, the Russian aircraft did not violate Polish airspace, Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed.
Russia continues aerial provocations near Poland
On July 15, two Russian Su-30SM2 fighter jets approached the area where Poland was conducting air defense exercises and were promptly intercepted.
On July 14, a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft approached Polish airspace over the Baltic Sea and was intercepted by a pair of Polish fighter jets.
On June 12, Swedish pilots flying JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets intercepted two Russian military aircraft over the Baltic Sea near Swedish airspace.
