Russian MiG-31s breach Estonian airspace: Italian F-35s scrambled

This morning three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island, remaining inside Estonian skies for nearly 12 minutes. The aircraft were flying without transponders and without filed flight plans, making the incursion particularly dangerous for civilian air traffic in the area.

Tallinn described the event as an “unprecedentedly brutal” violation, immediately summoning the Russian envoy to provide explanations. According to Estonian authorities, the duration and the aggressive profile of the incursion mark one of the most serious airspace breaches in recent years.

As part of NATO’s Air Policing mission over the Baltic region, two Italian Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters, currently deployed to Ämari Air Base, were scrambled to intercept the Russian aircraft. The Italian jets ensured visual identification and escorted the MiG-31s back into international airspace.

NATO officials stressed that allied aircraft remain on constant alert to guarantee the security of member states’ airspace in the Baltic area, where tensions with Russia have been steadily rising, especially since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine