On Friday morning, three Russian MiG-31 interceptors entered Estonian airspace near the island of Vaindloo without permission and remained there for almost 12 minutes.
This was reported by the ERR.
The planes had no flight plans, and their transponders were turned off. At the time of the violation, they also did not maintain two-way radio communication with Estonian air traffic control.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in Estonia to protest and deliver a note regarding the airspace violation.
“Russia has already violated Estonian airspace four times this year, which is unacceptable in itself. But today’s intrusion, when three fighter jets entered our airspace, is unprecedentedly brutal,” said Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
According to the ERR, in the past, similar air intrusions lasted less than a minute, while the two previous violations this year lasted about four minutes.
Politico reported that, according to “people briefed on the situation,” Italian F-35s were lifted off from Amari air base to intercept the Russian fighter jets. The interception was also confirmed by NATO spokesperson Allison Hart.
“Earlier today, Russian aircraft violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is another example of Russia’s reckless behavior and NATO’s ability to respond,” she said.
