On September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets allegedly entered Estonian airspace without a flight plan, prompting a response from NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission.
Incident Details
Estonia’s Defence Forces reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the country’s airspace on September 19, flying at least 10 kilometers deep into Estonian territory and remaining for approximately 12 minutes.
The Russian jets did not have their transponders on and did not maintain radio contact with air traffic control.
NATO Response
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission responded to the incident with Finnish and Italian F-35 fighter jets.
Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the NATO response forced the Russian jets to leave Estonian airspace.
Russian Denial
The Russian Ministry of Defense denied that the jets had infringed on Estonian airspace, stating that they had followed international regulations and stayed on their planned flight route.
Diplomatic Fallout
Estonia’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires in Tallinn and delivered a diplomatic note in response to the incident.
The incident was condemned by world leaders, and Estonia invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows for consultations with allies.
