Fighter jets from Finland and Sweden, NATO’s two newest members, successfully intercepted two Russian Su-30 fighter jets flying over international waters in the Baltic Sea on Monday. The incident highlights the increased vigilance and rapid response capabilities of the alliance in the region.
According to NATO’s Allied Air Command, the Russian aircraft were detected by air operation centers in Germany, Sweden, and Finland. The jets were flying from Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave towards mainland Russia and did not adhere to international aviation regulations.
They failed to file a flight plan, maintain radio contact with civilian air traffic control, or use transponder signals.
Read: NATO Summit Delivers Boost To Ukraine’s Defense Capabilities With F-16s, Patriots, And NASAMS
In response, Finnish and Swedish fighter jets were scrambled to intercept and identify the Russian aircraft. The Finnish Air Force deployed F/A-18 Hornets, while the Swedish Air Force utilized JAS-39 Gripens. The interception was conducted safely and professionally, ensuring the integrity of NATO airspace.
The interception comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO has bolstered its presence in the Baltic region, deploying additional troops and conducting regular exercises to deter potential aggression.
The incident also underscores the importance of Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO. Their membership strengthens the alliance’s defense capabilities and enhances its ability to respond to threats in the region.
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