NATO fighter jets were called into action near the Baltic States’ borders to intercept a Russian aircraft that violated flight regulations, as reported by Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence.
Policing aircraft from NATO were deployed four times from April 13 to April 19 to locate and intercept Russian planes. On April 13, jets were dispatched to identify an IL-20 aircraft flying through international airspace between the Kaliningrad region of Russia.
The IL-20 aircraft operated without a transponder, lacked a flight plan, and did not maintain radio contact with the Regional Air Traffic Control Centre, violating flight regulations. Another aircraft, an AN-26, was also intercepted by NATO forces. Although this aircraft had an active transponder and communication, it was also flying without a flight plan.
On April 14, NATO jets were once again scrambled to intercept the IL-20. The following day, on April 15, NATO aircraft identified two SU-30SM jets traveling to and from Russia, both found in violation of flight regulations.
Again on April 17, NATO fighter jets were deployed to intercept the IL-20 aircraft. Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence disclosed that the aircraft breached aviation regulations by flying through international airspace without a transponder, flight plan, or radio contact with the RSVC. The plane was en route within the Kaliningrad region of Russia.
These events occurred amidst reports that Finland and the Baltic nations had allowed Ukrainian drones to use their airspace for targeting Russian oil ports. Sergei Shoigu, the Russian security council secretary, warned of Russia’s right to self-defense, issuing a final caution, authorized by Putin, for the Baltic states to avoid acting against Russia with impunity.