On 19 September, Estonian authorities reported a serious incident involving the Russian Air Force. Three MiG-31 fighter jets intruded into Estonian airspace, penetrating approximately five miles and remaining there for twelve minutes. The violation occurred near Vaindloo Island, close to Tallinn.
The aircraft were flying without activated transponders, maintained no communication with air traffic control, and had not filed a flight plan. Such actions pose a significant threat to civil aviation safety and increase the risk of uncontrolled escalation. Ultimately, the jets were intercepted and escorted out by NATO fighters on duty as part of the Baltic Air Policing mission.
The Estonian Ministry of Defence described the incident as “unprecedentedly brazen” and immediately summoned a Russian diplomat for a formal protest. The Prime Minister announced that Tallinn would request consultations with allies under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty—a mechanism allowing member states to discuss situations deemed threatening to security.
Source: Estonian Ministry of Defence
NATO condemned the violation of Estonian airspace, stressing the dangers of irresponsible actions by Russian pilots. The Alliance underlined that such incidents could easily lead to unintended clashes involving civilian aircraft.
Moscow rejected the accusations, claiming that its planes were flying over international waters and had not entered NATO airspace. This position, however, contradicts the data provided by Estonia and the observations of allied monitoring systems.
This is not the first airspace violation by Russian aircraft in the Baltic region. In recent months, similar incidents have involved both Estonia and other allied nations. Russian planes have also increasingly appeared near critical infrastructure, including offshore extraction platforms in the Baltic Sea.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
The incident drew broad international reactions. The foreign ministries of Lithuania and Latvia expressed full solidarity with Estonia and confirmed their readiness for joint action within NATO. France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the violation as an open attempt to undermine international law.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the incursion “an extremely dangerous provocation,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe “stands with Estonia” and pledged a firm response to similar actions.
The U.S. Secretary of State emphasized that all allies must respond jointly to attempts to undermine NATO members’ territorial integrity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia’s actions “outrageous” and appealed for a strong international response.
Photo: Swedish Armed Forces
This article was prepared as part of the public task commissioned under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organizations 2018–2030: “Safe Poland of Tomorrow – strengthening the mission-driven activities of the Alioth Foundation.”
