NATO responded to Russian fighter jets violating European airspace by sending Spanish warplanes. The breach, lasting only 18 seconds, occurred when an Su-30 fighter and II-78 refueling tanker crossed into Lithuania from the Kaliningrad region. Spanish jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police were deployed to patrol the area, with Lithuania’s president condemning Russia’s actions as a “blatant breach of international law.”
President Gitanas Nausėda criticized the violation, emphasizing the importance of enhancing European air defense readiness. Lithuania’s defense ministry assured the public of its preparedness, stating that every part of the country is safeguarded. This incident is part of a pattern of Russian incursions that have sparked concerns in both eastern and western Europe, leading to calls for increased security measures.
In a separate event, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island, prompting a swift response from both Tallinn and NATO. Italian F-35 jets were dispatched through the Baltic Air Policing mission to address the situation. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal urged a united and robust NATO response to provocations, stressing the need for coordinated actions among allies.
Earlier, Poland intercepted several Russian drones following an attack on Ukraine, while another drone breached Romanian airspace shortly after. Lithuania’s military speculated that the recent airspace violation occurred during Russian Su-30 training exercises over the Kaliningrad Oblast region, bordering Lithuania and Poland.
