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Russian MiG-31 jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, disregarding signals from Italian NATO pilots, Estonian officials said. The incident tests the alliance's response to Russian provocations and raises concerns about regional security.
Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 21, 2025 01:50 IST
Russian pilots ignored signals from Italian jets responding to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing Mission when they violated Estonian airspace, a senior Estonian military official said. Despite acknowledging communication from Italian F-35 fighter jets, the Russian pilots "didn’t actually follow the signs," resulting in their extended presence in Estonian airspace.
RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT DENIES INCURSION CLAIM
Russia’s Defence Ministry denied any airspace breach, stating, "It said the three MiG-31 jets ‘completed a scheduled flight from Karelia to an airfield in the Kaliningrad region’ and ‘did not violate the borders of other states.’" Estonian officials dismissed the denial, insisting the violation was confirmed both by radar and by visual contact. "Estonian officials dismissed the denial, saying the violation was confirmed by radar and visual contact and suggested it could be a tactic to draw Western resources away from Ukraine."
TRUMP ON RUSSIAN INCURSION
United States President Donald Trump has called the Russian incursion into Estonia, "a big trouble." The Republican leader furthered that he would soon be briefed on reports that Russia had violated Estonia's airspace and made clear he was not pleased with the situation.
While speaking to reporters, Trump asserted, "I don't love it. I don't like it when that happens. Could be big trouble."
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the incursions, expressing full support for the Estonian authorities.
"I strongly condemn the incursions of Russian aircraft into Estonia. They represent yet another step in Russia’s accumulation of provocations and irresponsible actions. I extend my full support to the Estonian authorities. A security posture will be adopted in response to these repeated violations," Macron wrote on X.
I strongly condemn the incursions of Russian aircraft into Estonia.
They represent yet another step in Russia’s accumulation of provocations and irresponsible actions.
I extend my full support to the Estonian authorities. A security posture will be adopted in response— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 19, 2025
3 RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT VIOLATE ESTONIA'S AIRSPACE
Three Russian fighter aircraft violated Estonian airspace on Friday, prompting North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) jets to scramble in response. The planes entered near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland and remained for about 12 minutes before being intercepted by Italian Air Force F-35s deployed under Nato’s Baltic Air Policing Mission.
“Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. Nato responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft. This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and Nato’s ability to respond,” a Nato spokesperson said.
Estonia’s Foreign Ministry said the Russian aircraft had no flight plans, their transponders were switched off, and they did not communicate with air traffic services, as per a report by the Associates Presso. Estonia summoned Moscow’s charge d’affaires and handed over a protest note following the incident.
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Published On:
Sep 21, 2025
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