Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly violated Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on Friday, prompting strong responses from both the Estonian government and NATO allies. The incident, described as a “dangerous new provocation,” led to swift action from Italian F-35 fighters, part of NATO’s air defense mission in the Baltic states, which were deployed to intercept the Russian aircraft.
Estonia’s defense forces disclosed that the Russian fighters entered its airspace in the Vaindloo Island area without authorization, remaining there for roughly 12 minutes. According to officials, the jets did not have flight plans in place, their transponders were switched off, and they failed to establish two-way radio communication with Estonian air traffic control during the violation. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart characterized the incident as further evidence of “reckless Russian behavior” and affirmed NATO’s capability to respond effectively.
In response to the incursion, Estonia has called for urgent consultations with NATO allies, a move that comes less than two weeks after Poland invoked similar discussions following alleged drone incursions into its territory. These consultations could take place as early as the beginning of the week, as indicated by NATO officials in Brussels.
Moscow, however, dismissed allegations of an airspace violation, asserting that the MiGs were conducting a scheduled flight from Karelia, bordering Finland, to an airfield in the Kaliningrad exclave. The Russian defense ministry insisted that the aircraft remained on an agreed-upon route and did not breach Estonian airspace, claiming their flight occurred over neutral waters and was more than three kilometers from the island of Vaindloo.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal labeled the airspace violation “unacceptable” and announced the decision to request NATO Article 4 consultations. This article allows any NATO member state to convene urgent talks when it feels its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is under threat. The invocation of Article 4 is significant, marking the second time in a short period that a NATO member has sought such discussions amidst escalating tensions with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on the situation, accusing Russia of deliberately amplifying its destabilizing activities through these airspace violations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also addressed the issue, suggesting that as threats increase, so should the pressure on Russia. She presented a 19th package of sanctions targeting Moscow in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Italy currently leads NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission, known as Operation Baltic Eagle III, which was initiated on August 1. The Italian Air Force’s F-35 aircraft are responsible for airspace surveillance in the region, which has seen increasing provocations from Russian forces. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that this year alone, Russia has violated Estonia’s airspace on four separate occasions, warning that the recent incursion was particularly brazen.
Tsahkna indicated that the Russian charge d’affaires in Estonia had been summoned to receive a formal complaint regarding the violation. Earlier this month, a Russian MI-8 helicopter similarly intruded into Estonian airspace near Vaindloo, which also raised significant concerns.
The broader geopolitical implications of these incidents are underscored by recent events in Poland, where NATO allies scrambled jets in response to reported Russian drones, some of which were shot down. Further reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank, the UK, Germany, and France have announced plans to enhance joint air patrols in response to the ongoing tensions.
