Russian MiG-31s violated Estonian airspace.
On Friday, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets crossed Estonian airspace and approached close to Tallinn. According to sources, they remained in the air for approximately 12 minutes. Italian F-35s, which are on patrol in the region, were scrambled to intercept the aircraft.
The MiG-31s are heavy interceptors capable of carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. This is the third violation of NATO airspace this month. Russia previously sent drones to Poland and Romania.
NATO quickly confirmed the intrusion. “Russian aircraft violated Estonian airspace. We responded immediately,” said Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that this is the fourth incident since the beginning of the year. “Today’s incident is the most serious. Three Russian fighter jets entered our airspace. “This is blatant aggression that must be responded to with political and economic measures,” he said.
Estonia summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires to the Foreign Ministry.
Meanwhile, Poland and Romania also reported violations. Poland detected more than ten drones, some heading toward the city of Rzeszow. Some of the drones were shot down, after which Warsaw initiated consultations under NATO Article 4. In Romania, one of the drones remained in its airspace for almost 50 minutes.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, announcing new sanctions against Russia, noted: “In recent days, Russian drones have violated the airspace of Poland and Romania. Putin is escalating the situation again, and Europe is responding with increased pressure.”
The European Union plans to deploy an anti-drone defense system on its eastern border with Russia. It will be based on technologies that have already proven effective during the war in Ukraine.
