NATO scrambled jets five times last week over Russian aircraft near alliance borders

NATO scrambled fighter jets five times last week after Russian aircraft were detected near the alliance's borders as the Baltic region again became a focal point of tension.

FILE PHOTO: A Russian Su-57 fighter jet.

EPA/ALI HAIDER

Lithuania’s defense ministry said Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft were identified and escorted on Wednesday and Thursday, April 8 and 9.

On Friday, April 10, NATO fighters were scrambled to identify two Su-30SM aircraft that had taken off from the Kaliningrad region.

A similar incident was also reported in Poland. The Operational Command of Poland's Armed Forces said Polish F-16 fighter jets on Thursday, April 9, successfully intercepted a Russian aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea.

The military said the jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 carrying out a reconnaissance mission in international airspace.

On Sunday, April 12, an An-26 transport aircraft flying from Russian territory to Kaliningrad was also identified.

All of the Russian aircraft had their transponders switched off, had no flight plans and were not maintaining radio communication, officials said.

(jh/gs)

Source: Polish Radio