Polish jets intercept Russian reconnaissance aircraft over Baltic Sea

Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea, officials said, as NATO’s eastern members heighten vigilance against potential airspace incursions.

The Polish army reported on Wednesday that the Il-20 aircraft was flying in international airspace without a filed flight plan and with its transponder switched off.

Countries along NATO’s eastern flank have been on alert for airspace violations since September, when three Russian military jets briefly entered Estonian airspace just days after more than 20 Russian drones had crossed into Poland.

According to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces, the intercepted aircraft did not violate Polish airspace but was closely monitored throughout the operation.

Army spokesperson Jacek Goryszewski told TVN24 that the response demonstrated Poland’s readiness to defend its skies, saying the country remained “vigilant to ensure our airspace is not violated.”

Last week, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said Moscow seemed deterred by NATO’s firm reaction to previous incidents but was expected to continue testing allied boundaries.

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