On Friday, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace without permission, prompting a strong response from Estonia and NATO allies.
Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace on Friday morning, staying for about 12 minutes and reaching a depth of at least 10 kilometers. The jets had no flight plans, disabled transponders, and did not communicate with air traffic control.
NATO responded quickly, with Finnish and Italian jets intercepting the Russian aircraft. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the long duration of the incursion was “at least an act of bad will, if not a planned operation.” The incident was strongly condemned by the US diplomatic mission to NATO.
Estonia’s former Foreign Minister Urmas Reinslau suggested closing the eastern border in response to increased Russian provocations. Marko Mihkelson, head of the Estonian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, referenced Turkey’s 2015 shootdown of a Russian Su-24 bomber, stating, “17 seconds vs 12 minutes. Next time we will do it.”
Estonian President Alar Karis called the incursion “another provocation,” emphasizing the need for air defense to be a priority for NATO. The incident prompted Estonia to invoke Article 4 of the NATO treaty, seeking consultation with allies.
