Poland intercepts Russian Il-20 spy plane over Baltic Sea
Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft (photo: x.com/KosiniakKamysz)
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The aircraft was flying without an approved flight plan and with its transponder switched off, according to Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
The incident occurred in the first half of the day, approximately 60 kilometers northwest of the town of Łeba. A pair of Polish fighter jets on duty was scrambled to intercept the reconnaissance aircraft.
The Polish Defense Ministry noted that the Russian aircraft did not cross the country's borders.
"Our airspace was not violated. The aircraft was flying in international airspace without a flight plan and with its transponder switched off," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
He added that the Polish Armed Forces are continuously monitoring the situation in the region and taking all necessary measures to protect the country's borders.
An aircraft transponder is a radio transmitter-receiver that automatically sends information about the aircraft to ground controllers and other aircraft, including its unique code, exact position, speed, and altitude. This device makes flights safer and helps prevent collisions in the air.
Russian provocations
On July 31, a Russian Il-20 electronic reconnaissance aircraft flew over the Baltic Sea without a submitted flight plan and with its transponder switched off.
Earlier, on July 15, two Russian Su-30SM2 fighter jets approached the area where Polish air defense forces were conducting exercises.
In addition, on July 14, a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft approached Polish airspace over the Baltic Sea. In response, the Polish military quickly scrambled a pair of fighter jets on duty to intercept it.
Poland has also said that Russia has changed its tactics and is closely monitoring NATO exercises in the Baltic Sea region while preparing for possible provocations.
