NATO fighter jets were mobilized near the borders of the Baltic States to intercept a Russian aircraft that violated flight regulations, as reported by Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence.
Between April 13 and 19, NATO policing aircraft were deployed four times to track and intercept Russian planes. On April 13, jets were sent to identify an IL-20 aircraft flying through international airspace from the Kaliningrad region of Russia.
The aircraft was found operating without a transponder, flight plan, or radio contact with the Regional Air Traffic Control Centre, breaching aviation regulations. Another incident involved intercepting an AN-26 aircraft that lacked a flight plan despite having an active transponder and radio communication.
Subsequent interceptions on April 14 and 15 targeted the IL-20 and two SU-30SM jets, respectively, all violating flight rules while traveling between Russia and international airspace. On April 17, NATO fighter jets were again deployed to intercept the IL-20 aircraft, which was flying without a transponder, flight plan, and radio contact with RSVC.
In a separate incident, the Russian defense ministry’s TV channel acknowledged NATO fighter jets shadowing bombers over international waters. The Russian security council’s Sergei Shoigu warned of Russia’s right to self-defense amid claims of airspace usage by Ukrainian drones targeting Russian oil ports.
Shoigu issued a final warning, supported by Putin, cautioning Baltic states against acting with impunity. These events occurred amidst tensions over airspace use and security in the region.