Dutch F‑35s intercept Russian aircraft over Baltic Sea
Dutch fighter jets intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea, escorting them beyond NATO borders. The Polish Press Agency reported the incident, citing a statement from the Dutch Defence Minister.
On Friday, Dutch F-35 fighters stationed at bases in Estonia intercepted three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea: a transport plane, a Su-24 bomber, and a reconnaissance aircraft.
After being intercepted by the fighter jets, the Russian units were escorted over international waters. NATO pilots led the intruders beyond the borders of the Alliance states.
Dutch fighters intercepted Russian intruders over the Baltic
The Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans reported this incident in a Monday statement. He emphasised that the presence of Dutch forces in the region aims to protect the shared airspace from threats posed by Russia.
"That is why our people are there: to protect our common airspace from Russian threats," Brekelmans wrote in the Monday statement.
This incident is another example of Russian forces' activity in NATO airspace. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the West has significantly strengthened its air defence on the eastern flank, increasing the number of fighters, reconnaissance flights, and ground-based air defence facilities.
Dutch F-35 fighters, part of the allied forces, regularly patrol the region. The Polish Press Agency reports that these actions are part of NATO's broader defence strategy.
