Polish fighter jets again intercept Russian reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea
Photo: Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft (x.com/KosiniakKamysz)
A Russian Il-20 electronic intelligence aircraft was flying over the Baltic Sea without a flight plan and with its transponder switched off, according to Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on Twitter (X).
Russian aircraft again provokes Polish air defense
Polish F-16 fighter jets successfully intercepted the aircraft on July 31.
"In the first half of the day, a pair of Polish F-16s on alert intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft 40 kilometers north of Kołobrzeg," Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote.
According to him, the Russian aircraft was once again flying in international airspace with its transponder switched off.
The Polish defense minister said there was no violation of Poland's airspace.
Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that the Polish Armed Forces:
- Continuously monitor the situation,
- Respond decisively to Russian actions in close coordination with NATO allies.
Russia violates airspace
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that two Russian Su-30SM2 fighter jets approached the area where Polish air defense drills were taking place on July 15.
A Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft approached Polish airspace over the Baltic Sea on July 14. A pair of fighter jets on quick reaction alert was promptly scrambled to intercept it.
Polish officials also believe that Russia has changed its tactics and is closely monitoring NATO exercises in the Baltic Sea region while preparing for possible provocations.
