“I express full and unambiguous solidarity with all allies whose airspace has been violated,” Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, said in his opening speech. He called the incursions “reckless” and life-threatening, adding that Russia bore full responsibility. “NATO’s reaction was firm and it will increase,” he said.
The Military Committee advises the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s top political body, on defense matters. One priority of the Riga conference is implementing decisions from the alliance’s summit in The Hague.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics told the meeting that air defense was now NATO’s most urgent priority. “Russia continues its pattern of provocations and NATO’s response must remain firm,” he said, urging the alliance to upgrade its Baltic air policing to a full air defense mission with rules of engagement.
On Friday three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace near the island of Vaindloo in the Gulf of Finland, remaining for about 12 minutes. Moscow denied the breach and insisted it was not testing NATO, according to Bloomberg. Russian officials have also said earlier drone intrusions into Poland and Romania were accidental.
Drones over Denmark, Norway
Police in Denmark said one or two drones were seen overnight Friday into Saturday over the Karup air base on the Jutland peninsula, forcing a temporary closure of surrounding airspace. The armed forces confirmed sightings at several other military sites but gave no details.
In recent days unidentified drones have been reported over airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg and Copenhagen, as well as the Skrydstrup air base. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has described the incidents as “hybrid attacks.”
In Norway, police confirmed multiple reports of drones on Saturday morning over the Oerland air base, home to F-35 fighters. Authorities said it was too early to identify the objects but stressed they were treating the sightings seriously given the incidents in Denmark and at Oslo-Gardermoen airport.
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Source: PAP