Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly violated Estonia’s airspace over the Baltic Sea in a 12-minute incursion on Friday and were intercepted by NATO, which called it proof of Moscow’s “reckless” behaviour. Nato spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the incident, saying it had “responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft” and describing it as “yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour”. The Estonian defence forces said the MiG-31s were intercepted by Italian F-35 fighter jets based in Ämari, Estonia, as part of the transatlantic defence alliance’s air policing mission over the Baltic Sea.
The jets did not have flight plans, had turned their transponders off, and were not communicating with air traffic control, it said.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister, accused Moscow of an “extremely dangerous provocation” and said the latest Russian violation of NATO’s eastern borders “further escalates tensions in the region”.
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said Europe “stands with Estonia” and would “respond to every provocation with determination”.
“As threats escalate, so will our pressure,” she said, calling on the EU’s 27 member states to swiftly approve the bloc’s 19th package of sanctions against Moscow.
‘Incursion unprecedentedly brazen’
Estonia's foreign ministry condemned the incursion as “brazen”. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Friday’s incursion was “unprecedentedly brazen”.
Echoing her words, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X, “We will respond to every provocation with determination while investing in a stronger Eastern flank.”
Tensions have been rising on Nato’s eastern border since Russian drones flew over Polish territory last week. Moscow did not immediately comment.
Trending Stories
)
3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before
)
JP Nadda, Jitendra Singh meet Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital: Report
)
Trump announces 200% tariff on generic drugs: Here's what it means for 'Pharmacy of the World' India
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20Is
)
US-Iran war cost hits $37.5 billion as Hegseth seeks $67 billion more for Pentagon
)
YouTube cracks down on AI slop, but didn't it help create the monster? Your channel will be demonetised if...
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
Donald Trump heading for a tough midterm elections as approval ratings fall
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Eyes before weapons': How the S-400's radar network works
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (July 20-26, 2026): Musafir Cafe, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, 72 Hours- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
Is Pentagon hiding missile shortage from Trump? US officials raise alarm over Iran war readiness
)
'Criticising him after two or three matches isn't justified': Sikandar Raza backs Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The best XI that ruled football’s biggest stage
)
'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows
)
Kaylee Hottle was unconscious: Shocking details from first responders revealed after teen star's death
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
‘He's the architect of the genocide against Palestinians’: Mamdani repeats Netanyahu will be arrested if he visits US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
World's top 7 most liveable cities in 2026 — Check where India and Pakistan stand
)
'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation
)
'Not permitted ...': IIT Roorkee issues gag order as students' protest intensifies
)
'This should not happen in a democracy': Shashi Tharoor slams detention of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi after protest outside PM Modi's residence
)
‘Centre had no interest in having a debate’: LoP Rahul Gandhi demands resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, Amit Shah
)
FBI arrests alleged $547mn medicare fraud fugitive after 3-year global manhunt
WATCH: Russian Mig-31 Fighters Breach NATO Airspace Over Estonia
Estonian govt to request NATO Article 4 consultations
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal later said his government had “decided to request NATO Article 4 consultations”.
Article 4 of the NATO treaty formally starts urgent consultations within the 32-member alliance, which ties the US and many European nations on collective defence. Estonia’s foreign ministry said it summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires “to lodge a protest” over Friday’s incursion.
Tensions have escalated between the NATO military alliance and Russia since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In response to Russia's incursions into Poland and Romania, NATO pledged to move troops and fighter jets eastwards.
Planes from the UK, France, Germany, and Denmark are all taking part in air defence missions over Poland in a bid to bolster the alliance's eastern flank.
