On Sunday (September 21), Germany launched two Eurofighter jets to intercept a Russian IL-20M reconnaissance aircraft flying without a flight plan or radio contact in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. After visual confirmation, the German Air Force turned over escort duties to NATO partners in Sweden before returning to base at Rostock-Laage.
The incident occurred just 48 hours before a meeting of the NATO North Atlantic Council that was set to discuss the most recent Russian provocations, like the entry of three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets into Estonian airspace on September 19 for 12 minutes, from which they were ordered to depart.
This incident followed a series of incidents in September that included Poland downing Russian drones, targeting Ukraine, that entered its airspace on September 9. This was the first reported Russian trespass on NATO territory since the invasion began in 2022. Romania reported a similar incursion of unwanted drones on September 14. Britain also confirmed then on September 20 they were conducting a joint NATO air reconnaissance mission over Poland in response to increased Russian activities.
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of “deliberately targeting NATO states” to test the allies’ resolve, meanwhile, Russia continues to say it has “no plans” to strike facilities in Poland or any other country.
This pattern of incursions comes at a time when European leaders are pushing NATO for a firmer response to Russian President Vladimir Putin compared to U.S. president Donald Trump’s cool reaction, which has caused further transatlantic differences on deterrence.
As NATO prepares for talks on Tuesday, the Baltics and Eastern European skies remain a flashpoint in the Russia-West standoff.
