(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Germany’s air force jumped into action this weekend, sending two Eurofighter jets to chase down a Russian reconnaissance plane flying through neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea. The move came as part of NATO’s quick-response team, according to a statement from the German military.
The unidentified aircraft popped up on radar without a flight plan or any radio contact. Once the pilots got a close look, they confirmed it was a Russian IL-20M spy plane. Germany’s jets escorted it briefly before passing the job to Swedish NATO allies and heading back to their base in Rostock-Laage.
This intercept happened just days before NATO leaders gather on Tuesday for talks about another tense run-in. On Friday, Estonia accused Russia of a bold airspace violation when three MiG-31 fighters crossed into its territory without permission and stayed for about 12 minutes.
NATO and European leaders quickly slammed the incident as a reckless and dangerous stunt. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal demanded emergency talks under NATO’s Article 4, which lets members meet if they feel their security is at risk.
Russia’s Defense Ministry pushed back, denying any wrongdoing, while Estonia called in the Russian charge d’affaires to protest.
These events spotlight rising tensions along NATO’s eastern border with Russia. Last week, Romania had to scramble its own jets after spotting a Russian drone on radar. Earlier this month, Poland’s forces shot down several drones during a Russian attack on Ukraine—the first time NATO countries have directly clashed in that ongoing war.
Ukraine points to these repeated airspace breaches as Russia’s way of testing NATO’s defenses and Western unity, now that the conflict has dragged into its fourth year. Experts agree these incursions often serve as spy missions, checks on response times, and ways to rattle neighbors.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
