Germany deploys jets after Russian aircraft spotted over Baltic Sea

Berlin [Germany], September 22 (ANI): Germany air force deployed two Eurofighter jets to intercept a Russian reconnaissance aircraft that entered neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea. Al Jazeera reported.

In a statement, Germany air force said NATO quick reaction alert force ordered the scramble after an unidentified aircraft was detected flying without a flight plan or radio communication. It was a Russian IL-20M reconnaissance aircraft. After visual identification, we handed over escort duties to our Swedish NATO partners and returned to Rostock-Laage, it added.

The interception came just days before NATO North Atlantic Council is set to meet on Tuesday to discuss a separate incident involving Russian jets over Estonia. Tallinn accused Moscow of an unprecedented and brazen violation of its airspace on Friday, claiming three Russian MiG-31 fighters crossed its border without clearance and remained inside for 12 minutes, Al Jazeera reported.

The incursion drew swift condemnation from NATO and European governments, who described it as a reckless and dangerous provocation. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called for urgent consultations under NATO Article 4, which allows members to convene when they believe their security or sovereignty is under threat.

Russia Ministry of Defence has denied the Estonian claims, while Tallinn summoned Moscow charge daffaires in protest.

The latest incidents highlight growing tensions along NATO eastern flank. Romania last week reported scrambling jets after detecting a Russian drone on its radar, while Poland earlier this month said its forces shot down several drones during a Russian strike on Ukraine - the first time NATO members directly engaged in that conflict, Al Jazeera reported

Ukraine has argued that these repeated airspace breaches demonstrate Moscow attempts to probe NATO defenses and test Western resolve as the war against Russia enters its fourth year. Analysts say such incursions are often used for intelligence gathering, response testing, and exerting pressure on neighbouring states. (ANI)

Disclaimer: This news article is a direct feed from ANI and has not been edited by the News Nation team. The news agency is solely responsible for its content.