Germany scrambles jets after Russia military aircraft flies over Baltic Sea

Germany scrambled two Eurofighter jets on September 21, 2025, to intercept a Russian IL-20M reconnaissance aircraft that entered neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea without a flight plan or radio contact, following an alert by NATO’s “quick reaction alert force”. After visual identification, German jets handed over escort duties to Swedish NATO partners and returned to base, concluding the operation without incident.

Details of the Incident

• The Russian IL-20M reconnaissance aircraft was flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea, unannounced and without communications.

• The interception was coordinated as part of NATO’s heightened vigilance in response to increased Russian military activities near alliance borders.

• Swedish Gripen fighter jets joined German Eurofighters in monitoring and escorting the aircraft.

• The event happened during a period of escalating tensions, following recent Russian airspace intrusions over Estonia, Poland, and Romania.

Context and Significance

• The incident forms part of a pattern, with NATO countries reporting multiple incursions from Russian military aircraft in September 2025, including:

  • Three Russian MiG-31 jets flying for 12 minutes inside Estonian airspace without authorization, prompting Estonia’s call for NATO Article 4 consultations.

  • Poland and Romania reacting to Russian drones entering their airspace earlier in September.

• Such interceptions serve to reinforce NATO’s readiness and unity in response to Russian military provocations that are seen as attempts to probe Western defenses and test resolve.

• Military analysts note that these missions are part of Russia’s intelligence-gathering as well as psychological tactics to exert pressure on neighboring NATO states.

Official Responses

• NATO and European nations have strongly condemned these acts as “dangerous provocations,” with leaders like the Estonian Prime Minister urging urgent alliance consultations.

• Russia’s Ministry of Defence has denied the violations, while affected nations summoned Russian diplomats in protest.

This latest scramble underscores the heightened alert and readiness along NATO’s eastern flank amid ongoing regional tensions.