NATO Issues Warning to Russia Over Fighter Jets’ Incursion into Estonian Airspace
NATO has issued a stern warning to Russia, stating that they are prepared to utilize all necessary military measures to defend themselves after three Russian fighter jets breached Estonia’s airspace in a recent provocative move.
Estonia promptly summoned a high-ranking Russian official to express their objection to the unauthorized entry of three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets into their airspace on Friday. The Russian aircraft reportedly traversed over the Vaindloo Island region and remained in Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized, “We do not wish to witness a recurrence of this perilous conduct from Russia, and we are fully prepared to safeguard every inch of NATO territory. If required, we will take down a fighter jet.”
In response to the airspace violation, a meeting of the NATO North Atlantic Council was convened to strongly denounce Russia’s infringement of Estonian airspace on September 19. A statement released by NATO highlighted that their reaction was swift and resolute, with allied aircraft being scrambled to intercept and escort the intruding jets out of Estonian airspace.
The statement emphasized that such provocations must cease, or else Russia will have to face the repercussions. NATO pointed out that this incursion is part of a broader trend of increasingly reckless behavior by Russia, citing multiple recent airspace violations by Russian drones in Poland and other NATO member countries.
Furthermore, NATO reiterated its commitment to utilizing both military and non-military tools to defend against Russia’s actions. The alliance emphasized that their response to Russia’s reckless behavior will remain robust, and they will continue to bolster their capabilities and strengthen deterrence measures.
NATO also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and emphasized that they will not be intimidated by Russia’s actions. The incident involving the Russian fighter jets near Vaindloo Island in Estonian territory prompted strong reactions from NATO member countries, with Italy deploying F-35 jets as part of the Baltic Air Policing Mission to intercept the intruding aircraft.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna described the incident as “unprecedentedly brazen,” noting that Russia has violated Estonian airspace multiple times this year, but never on such a significant scale. The formal consultations under Article 4 of NATO were requested by Estonia following the incident, as outlined in the alliance’s protocols for addressing threats to territorial integrity and security.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk also asserted that Poland would take decisive action against any flying objects violating its territory without hesitation.