Dutch jets intercept Russian planes over Baltic in NATO standoff
Dutch fighter jets intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, escorting them beyond NATO borders. The Polish Press Agency reported the incident, citing a statement from the Dutch defense minister.
On Friday, Dutch F-35 fighters stationed at bases in Estonia intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea: a transport plane, a Su-24 bomber, and a reconnaissance aircraft.
After being intercepted, the Russian units were escorted over international waters. NATO pilots guided the intruders beyond the borders of the Alliance states.
Dutch fighters intercepted Russian intruders over the Baltic
The Dutch defense minister, Ruben Brekelmans, reported this incident in a statement on Monday. He emphasized that the presence of Dutch forces in the region aims to protect the shared airspace from threats posed by Russia.
"That is why our people are there: to protect our common airspace from Russian threats," Brekelmans wrote in the Monday statement.
This incident is another example of Russian forces' activity in NATO airspace. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the West has significantly strengthened its air defense on the eastern flank, increasing the number of fighters, reconnaissance flights, and ground-based air defense facilities.
Dutch F-35 fighters, part of the allied forces, regularly patrol the region. The Polish Press Agency reports that these actions are part of NATO's broader defense strategy.
