Two Polish MiG-29 fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance plane Tuesday, reportedly flying a mission over the Baltic Sea, Poland’s military announced Wednesday.
The plane, identified by Poland as a Russian Il-20 aircraft, was flying without a filed flight plan and with its transponder switched off. The Polish army’s Operational Command said the plane did not violate Polish airspace.
“Thanks to the high combat readiness, professionalism of the pilots, and the efficient functioning of the air defense system, the operation was carried out quickly, effectively, and safely,” the Polish military said Wednesday.
Russia has been known to fly reconnaissance planes over the Baltic Sea, sometimes without cooperating with local air traffic control. Moscow’s Kaliningrad naval base is a major outpost for Russia and is from where most of the Il-20 aircraft fly. British fighter jets have intercepted Il-20 aircraft over the Baltic Sea twice this year.
In the past, Poland has said Russia flies reconnaissance missions to test NATO’s response.
Tuesday’s incident comes amid high tensions in Eastern Europe as Russian incursions into NATO airspace have led some alliance members to voice security concerns.
In September, at least 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace in a move that NATO viewed as flagrantly provocative. Days later, three Russian fighter jets were spotted flying in Estonian airspace for 12 minutes.
Both incursions sparked outrage across NATO and led Poland and Estonia to invoke Article 4 of the alliance charter, which convened a meeting with member nations to discuss options after “territorial integrity” is violated.
Russia has denied sending its planes and drones to provoke Europe, with Russian President Vladimir Putin arguing that NATO’s recent rhetoric reflects a growing militarism within the alliance.
