Three Russian military aircraft that approached the airspace of NATO countries over the Baltic Sea were intercepted by F-35 fighters of the Netherlands Air Force. About this reported Ministry of Defense of the country.
The Quick Response System (QRA) was activated twice. During the first flight, two aircraft were identified: transport An-72 Coaler and reconnaissance Su-24MR Fencer E, which collects radio-electronic information. In the afternoon, the QRA was again deployed to intercept the Il-20 Coot A reconnaissance aircraft.
As noted by the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands, these interceptions were the first for Dutch F-35s patrolling the territory of Estonia. The fighters escorted Russian aircraft over international waters to the border of NATO’s area of responsibility.
“Dutch F-35s have been guarding NATO airspace on the eastern border of NATO territory since the beginning of this month. Two F-35s take off within minutes to intercept another aircraft. This happens, for example, when a plane approaches NATO airspace without identifying itself“, the message says.
Four F-35 fighter jets from the Netherlands have been stationed at the Emari Air Base in northwestern Estonia since December 1. This incident highlights the importance of NATO’s constant monitoring and rapid response to the actions of Russian aircraft in the region.
