Three Russian MiG-31 Jets Breach Estonian Airspace in ‘Unprecedentedly Brazen’ NATO Incident
Estonia summons diplomats and calls for NATO Article 4 consultations after 12-minute violation over Gulf of Finland
Three Russian MiG-31 fighter aircraft entered Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland on Friday for approximately twelve minutes, officials in Tallinn report.
The warplanes flew without submitted flight plans, switched off their transponders, and failed to establish two-way radio contact with Estonian air traffic control.
Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incursion as "brazen," calling it unprecedented in its scale and duration.
NATO responded immediately, scrambling Italian F-35 jets under the Baltic Air Policing mission to escort the Russian aircraft out of Estonian airspace.
Tallinn has summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires to lodge a formal protest.
Estonia has also formally requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows member states to seek urgent discussions when any member’s territorial integrity, political independence or security is believed to be threatened.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna characterised the action as not only a clear violation but also part of a pattern: this marks the fourth such breach of Estonian airspace by Russian aircraft in 2025.
NATO and European Union leaders, including Estonia’s senior officials, have denounced the violation as a dangerously escalatory act and urged a stronger, unified political and economic pressure in response.
Russia has not yet issued a public statement acknowledging or explaining the incident.
The episode adds to mounting tensions within NATO’s eastern flank, following recent drone incursions in Poland and Romania.
In reaction, NATO states are increasing aerial patrols and reinforcing collective defense readiness in the Baltic region.
The warplanes flew without submitted flight plans, switched off their transponders, and failed to establish two-way radio contact with Estonian air traffic control.
Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incursion as "brazen," calling it unprecedented in its scale and duration.
NATO responded immediately, scrambling Italian F-35 jets under the Baltic Air Policing mission to escort the Russian aircraft out of Estonian airspace.
Tallinn has summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires to lodge a formal protest.
Estonia has also formally requested consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty, which allows member states to seek urgent discussions when any member’s territorial integrity, political independence or security is believed to be threatened.
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna characterised the action as not only a clear violation but also part of a pattern: this marks the fourth such breach of Estonian airspace by Russian aircraft in 2025.
NATO and European Union leaders, including Estonia’s senior officials, have denounced the violation as a dangerously escalatory act and urged a stronger, unified political and economic pressure in response.
Russia has not yet issued a public statement acknowledging or explaining the incident.
The episode adds to mounting tensions within NATO’s eastern flank, following recent drone incursions in Poland and Romania.
In reaction, NATO states are increasing aerial patrols and reinforcing collective defense readiness in the Baltic region.
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