NATO Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft Over Baltic Sea Amid Tensions
NATO conducted an air intercept operation in the Baltic Sea, where French Rafale jets intercepted Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft and Russian Tu-22M3 bombers escorted by Su-30 and Su-35 fighters. The Russian aircraft did not have switched-on transponders, file flight plans, or enter into radio contact. Fighter jets from Sweden, Finland, Poland, Denmark, and Romania also participated in the monitoring. The French commander, Lt. Col. Alexandre, expressed uncertainty about the Russian pilots' behavior but emphasized the necessity of intercepting them to ensure safety.