Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace without permission on Friday, remaining for 12 minutes in a move Tallinn described as unprecedentedly bold.
The incident, occurring over Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland, marks the fourth violation of Estonia’s airspace by Russia this year.
It follows recent Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspaces, heightening concerns among NATO allies about Moscow’s intentions.
NATO quickly intercepted the Russian jets, with Italian F-35s escorting them out of Estonian airspace.
The alliance condemned the incursion as reckless, with a NATO spokesperson stating on X:
This is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s ability to respond.
Estonia summoned Russia’s top diplomat to protest and is considering requesting NATO Article 4 consultations, which address threats to a member’s security.
The jets lacked flight plans, had transponders off, and did not contact air traffic control, raising suspicions of deliberate action.
The violation comes amid strained relations, following Russian and Belarusian joint military exercises, Zapad 2025, which concluded days earlier.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called it an “extremely dangerous provocation,” emphasizing solidarity with Estonia.
The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, proposed new sanctions against Russia, citing repeated airspace violations.
These incidents, including recent drone breaches in Poland and Romania, have prompted NATO to pledge stronger defenses on its eastern flank, signaling a unified response to Russia’s actions.