Estonia has formally requested urgent consultations with NATO allies after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace on Friday, spending 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland without permission, according to the Estonian government.
The incident triggered a rapid response under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. Italian F-35 jets based in Estonia intercepted the Russian aircraft, while Finnish and Swedish jets were scrambled in support. A NATO spokesperson condemned the breach as “yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour” and highlighted the alliance’s swift reaction capability.
Russia’s defence ministry denied any violation, insisting its planes were conducting a routine flight “in strict compliance with international regulations” and had stayed over neutral Baltic waters.
This marks Estonia’s fifth reported airspace violation by Russia this year and comes amid heightened regional tensions. In recent weeks, Poland and Romania—both NATO members—also accused Russian drones of crossing their borders. Poland invoked NATO’s Article 4 earlier this month, a move now repeated by Estonia.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said a united stance was critical:
“NATO’s response to any provocation must be united and strong. We consider it essential to consult with our allies to ensure shared situational awareness and to agree on our next joint steps.”
U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation as “big trouble” and said he did not “love” seeing such incidents escalate.
The incursion underscores the strain on NATO as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues. Estonian officials warned the move was likely an attempt by Moscow to divert attention from Ukraine and force NATO countries to refocus on defending their own territories.
In response to recent Russian incursions into NATO airspace, the alliance has increased troop deployments and air patrols along its eastern flank, with aircraft from the UK, France, Germany, and Denmark reinforcing missions over Poland and the Baltic states.
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