NATO fighter jets have intercepted a slew of Russian military aircraft flying with their transponders off near the Polish airspace.
Authorities said they intercepted the Russian aircraft that were flying “with no flight plans” over the Baltic Sea.
Poland said it scrambled pairs of F-16s and MiG-29s to intercept the Russian military aircraft “which posed a threat”.
The Nato member said that its fighter jets “conducted visual identification and escorted foreign aircraft outside their area of responsibility”.
The Russian aircraft did not violate the Polish airspace, authorities added.
The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said: “Polish pairs of F-16 and MiG-29 aircraft on duty have repeatedly intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, operating without flight plans and with their transponders turned off, posing a threat to air traffic safety.
HYBRID WAR
Mystery drones & secret sabotage…how Putin will push Nato to breaking point
FORTRESS EUROPE
From drone wall to space shield – Europe unveils mammoth WW3 defence plan
“Polish airspace was never violated. The Polish integrated air defence system, operating 24/7, effectively enhances deterrence and protects Polish airspace.”
In recent weeks, Russian military aircraft have repeatedly violated Nato airspace.
In October, Lithuania’s military said a Russian Su-30 fighter jet and Il-78 refuelling tanker breached the country’s sovereign airspace and remained there for at least 18 seconds.
It said both the Russian military aircraft entered Lithuania from the Kaliningrad region – a strategic Russian exclave in the heart of Europe.
Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Nato Baltic Air Police were scrambled in response and are patrolling the area, the military added.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said: “This evening, Russian military planes violated Lithuanian airspace. This is a blatant breach of international law and the territorial integrity of Lithuania.
“Once again, it confirms the importance of strengthening European air defence readiness.”
And in September, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonia’s airspace “without clearance” – triggering an emergency Nato meeting.
The fighter jets reportedly flew over Vaindloo Island and stayed there for nearly 12 minutes.
The unprecedented manoeuvre prompted two Italian F-35s to immediately set off from Amari airbase, about 50km from the capital Tallinn.
Shortly afterwards, Polish authorities reported a “low flyover” of Russian military planes near an oil and gas platform.
And just weeks before that Polish authorities said they detected 19 violations of their airspace.
It prompted a dramatic million-dollar response as fighter jets were scrambled and Patriot air defence systems placed on alert.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the incident brought Poland closer to military conflict “than at any time since the Second World War”.
Up to four drones were shot down with the help of Nato allies.
Europe is now gearing up to defend against Putin’s tyrannical WW3 ambitions with an incredible four-pronged plan – air shield, space shield, drone wall and flank watch.
After Moscow‘s repeated – and unprovoked – aerial invasions threatening Europe’s security, the continent is now on a war footing to fight Putin’s aggression.
The European Commission has now proposed four European flagship defence projects – including a counter-drone system and a plan to fortify the eastern border – to defend itself against Russia by 2030.
Plans are to create a European Air Shield, which will defend against missiles and other airborne threats.
Meanwhile, a European Space Shield will be created to protect European space assets and services.
And nations on Nato‘s eastern flank will build a multi-layered air defence system that will help detect the drones early and take them down.
Alongside the drone initiative is a broader “Eastern Flank Watch” programme designed to bolster air and ground defences along the EU’s border closest to Russia by the end of 2028.