NATO responded to another breach of European airspace by Russian jets, prompting the deployment of two Spanish Eurofighter planes. The incursion, lasting only 18 seconds, involved an Su-30 fighter and II-78 refueling tanker flying into Lithuania from the Kaliningrad region. Spanish jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police were scrambled in response to patrol the area, with Lithuania’s president condemning Russia’s actions as a violation of international law.
President Gitanas Nausėda denounced the incident as a blatant breach of Lithuania’s territorial integrity, emphasizing the necessity of enhancing European air defense readiness. Lithuania’s defense ministry reassured the public of the country’s readiness, stating that every part of the nation is well protected.
This recent airspace violation by Russia is part of a pattern causing concern in both eastern and western Europe, prompting calls for increased security measures. In a previous incident, Russian MiG-31 fighter jets intruded into Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island, triggering a swift response from NATO with the deployment of Italian F-35 jets.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged a united and robust response to provocations, emphasizing the importance of coordination with allies. Earlier in the same month, Poland intercepted several Russian drones following attacks on Ukraine, while a drone breached Romanian airspace shortly after a similar assault in Ukraine.
Lithuania’s military suspects that the recent breach occurred during Russian Su-30 jet training exercises over Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave bordering Lithuania and Poland.