‘Another Example Of Reckless Russian Behaviour’: NATO On Estonian Airspace Breach

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 22:17 IST

On Friday, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace over the Gulf of Finland near Vaindloo Island without permission

Flags of NATO members fly at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. (AFP file photo)

NATO on Friday strongly condemned the violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets, calling it “another example of reckless Russian behaviour” and a reminder of the alliance’s readiness to respond.

Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace over the Gulf of Finland near Vaindloo Island without permission. The aircraft reportedly stayed for about 12 minutes, had no flight plans, did not communicate with Estonian air traffic control, and had their transponders switched off.

A NATO official said the jets were intercepted by Italian F-35s, currently deployed in the region under NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission. The aircraft were scrambled immediately to warn off the Russian jets.

“Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in a statement on X.

The incident has sparked strong reactions across Europe. Estonia’s former prime minister and current EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called the violation an “extremely dangerous provocation” and said it further escalated tensions in the region.

“Putin is testing the West’s resolve. We must not show weakness,” Kallas added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed support for Estonia, stating, “Europe stands with Estonia in the face of Russia’s latest violation of our airspace.”

She noted that a new package of sanctions against Russia had been proposed on the same day, aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The incident comes amid rising concerns along NATO’s eastern flank. Just last week, Poland reported that around 20 Russian drones had flown over its territory. Though Moscow denied targeting Poland, Western leaders say such actions are part of a pattern of increasingly bold behaviour.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times this year, but Friday’s incursion was “unprecedentedly brazen”.

Meanwhile, there has been no official response from Russia so far.

(With inputs from AFP)

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