Most recently, Moscow repeatedly sent drones over NATO-territory (-> Poland reports downing of Russian drones), followed by a new escalation: Russian fighter jets violated Polish airspace and, shortly before that, Estonian airspace – and were intercepted by Swedish JAS-39 Gripen aircraft.
“Sweden is always ready to work with its allies to ensure the safety and integrity of our airspace,” the Swedish Armed Forces said in a statement.
According to the Estonian authorities, a total of three Russian MiG-31s remained in its airspace for around twelve minutes without permission. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna spoke of a “massive provocation” and announced that he had summoned the highest-ranking Russian diplomat in the country. Tallinn is now considering invoking NATO Article 4 and convening consultations within the alliance.
After Estonia, Poland also reported an incident. Two Russian aircraft flew low over the “Petrobaltic” drilling platform in the Baltic Sea, the Polish border guard confirmed. The country’s armed forces were informed immediately. “The Polish security services are constantly monitoring the situation around the critical maritime infrastructure – including outside territorial waters,” it continued.
Here for further reports on the Swedish armed forces.
