German Air Force raises alarm over new violation of airspace by Russian military aircraft

Multiple reports over the weekend indicate another new incident involving a Russian military aircraft and the German Air Force. On Sunday, September 21, German Eurofighter jets were scrambled to intercept and monitor a Russian reconnaissance plane, an Il-20M, flying over the Baltic Sea. The Russian aircraft was flying without a flight plan or radio contact, and its transponders were reportedly switched off.

This event is part of a series of recent airspace violations and military provocations by Russia in the region, which have raised alarms among NATO and EU member states. Other recent incidents include:

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets reportedly violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes on Friday, September 19. Estonia condemned the “brazen” violation and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

About 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace and were shot down by NATO planes just over a week prior to the Estonian incident.

Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Norway: These countries have also reported recent airspace violations by Russian military aircraft.

The repeated incidents have led to heightened tensions and calls for a stronger response from NATO. Germany, along with the Czech Republic and Lithuania, has suggested that a firm military stance, including the potential to shoot down intruding aircraft, is necessary to deter future violations. NATO’s North Atlantic Council has held consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty to discuss the threat to member security posed by Russia’s actions

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