Russian Fighter Jets Violate Estonian Airspace, NATO Intercepts

Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace for approximately 12 minutes on Thursday, prompting NATO aircraft to respond and intercept the intruders. The incursion occurred over Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland, a strategically sensitive area near the Russian border. NATO scrambled Italian F‑35s, deployed under the alliance’s Baltic Air Policing mission, to monitor and escort the Russian jets out of Estonian territory.

Estonian authorities described the maneuver as “brazen,” noting that the Russian jets were flying without filing flight plans, had their transponders switched off, and did not communicate with air traffic control. This breach marks the fourth reported airspace violation in Estonia this year, but officials stressed that its timing and audacity were unprecedented.

In response to the incident, Estonia invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, formally requesting consultations with alliance members to discuss threats to national security. The Russian Defence Ministry, however, denied any violation, claiming the jets remained over neutral waters while en route from northwest Russia to Kaliningrad.

The Estonian Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires to lodge a diplomatic protest, with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna describing the incursion as “unprecedentedly brazen” and calling for a measured allied response. NATO characterized the action as “reckless,” emphasizing its readiness to protect member airspace. The EU’s foreign policy chief also condemned the violation, calling it a “dangerous provocation” that undermines regional stability.

The incident adds to a pattern of heightened Russian aerial activity near NATO borders. Analysts suggest these operations may be intended to test alliance response protocols and measure the limits of engagement. With tensions already elevated in the Baltic region, officials warn that continued airspace incursions could escalate security concerns and reinforce the need for coordinated defensive measures.