NATO responded to a recent violation of European airspace by Russian military aircraft, prompting the deployment of Spanish Eurofighter jets. The breach occurred when a Russian Su-30 fighter and II-78 refuelling tanker entered Lithuania’s airspace from the Kaliningrad region for a brief 18-second period.
In reaction to the incident, Spanish jets from NATO’s Baltic Air Police were scrambled to patrol the area. Lithuania’s president condemned the breach as a clear violation of international law and the country’s territorial integrity, emphasizing the need to enhance European air defense preparedness.
Expressing readiness and strength, Lithuania’s defense ministry assured the public of swift action in collaboration with NATO forces. The ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding every part of the country in the face of such intrusions.
This latest airspace violation is part of a series of provocations by Russia, causing concern in both eastern and western Europe and prompting calls for improved security measures across the continent. In a separate incident, Russian MiG-31 jets encroached on Estonian airspace near Vaindloo Island, leading to the deployment of Italian F-35 jets through the Baltic Air Policing mission.
Estonia’s Prime Minister underscored the importance of a united and robust response from NATO to provocations, emphasizing the need for coordinated action and shared situational awareness among allies.
In a related development, Poland intercepted several Russian drones that entered its airspace following an attack on Ukraine. A similar incident occurred in Romania, where a drone breached airspace shortly after a Ukrainian attack.
Lithuania’s military speculated that the recent violation occurred during Russian Su-30 jet training exercises in the Kaliningrad Oblast, an enclave bordering Lithuania and Poland.