Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance and spy plane flying over the Baltic Sea, the Operational Command of the Polish Army announced on the social media platform X on Monday, according to Reuters and Newsweek.
“Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian Ilyushin IL-20 aircraft that was carrying out this year's ninth reconnaissance mission in international airspace, without a registered flight plan and with the transponder turned off. The plane did not violate Polish airspace,” the Polish ministry said, stating that the interception took place on Friday, March 13.
This incident is the latest in a series of intercepts involving Russian IL-20 surveillance aircraft in recent weeks.
Last week, Norway mobilized F-35 fighter jets on two consecutive days to identify and track Russian IL-20M jets near a NATO exercise area off the country's northern coast. The Norwegian Armed Forces mentioned that the flights were probably intended to gather information about the activity of allies during the “Cold Response” military exercise.
Poland also consistently deployed fighter jets and raised its air defenses to maximum readiness during large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, later confirming that Polish airspace was not violated in those cases.
In a post on X, the Polish Armed Forces said on Monday that its MiG-29 fighter jets had escorted the Russian IL-20 aircraft after it was spotted flying over the Baltic Sea.
“Thanks to the high level of training of the service forces, the experience of the pilots and the efficient operation of the air defense system, the mission was carried out quickly, professionally and safely. The (Polish) soldiers watch over the safety of the Polish skies every day, performing their duty with full dedication, and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland remain constantly ready to respond to any threats to our airspace,” the Polish forces added.
Russia has not yet commented on the incident.
Operation Eastern Sentry
Last year, NATO launched Eastern Sentry, a mission to secure the airspace of its eastern flank following frequent violations by Russia.
The initiative was launched after about 20 drones entered Poland in mid-September. Moscow has denied that they were deliberately aimed at Poland. The first mission was launched that month, with a French Rafale fighter jet and a Polish helicopter deployed to counter a potential threat posed by Russian drones.
Denmark, France, Germany and the United Kingdom contributed fighter planes and warships at that time.
About this initiative, the North Atlantic Alliance stated: “Through Eastern Sentry, Allies contribute additional capabilities and resources to NATO's deterrence and defense efforts – for example, more fighter jets, helicopters, transport aircraft, air defense systems, surveillance aircraft and frigates – and improve the coordination of these resources through NATO.”
“In addition, Eastern Sentry builds on experience gained in the Baltic Sentry mission and incorporates innovative technologies and tactics to meet new challenges,” NATO added.
