NATO has scrambled jets for the third time in as many days after a Russian spy plane was detected over the Baltic Sea without a flight plan or communication. The aircraft, identified as an Ilyushin Il-20M, is a Soviet-era intelligence plane equipped with radar, signals intelligence, and electronic warfare systems.
The German Air Force initially identified the plane before handing off the escort to Swedish NATO partners. The interception follows a series of incidents involving Russian aircraft near NATO airspace, including a violation of Estonian territory by Russian MiG jets on Friday.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called for a united NATO response and activated Article 4 defence provisions for the second time this month. Meanwhile, Poland responded to a Russian drone incursion on Saturday, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk stating that the country is closer to open conflict than at any time since World War Two.
The incursions have been condemned by European leaders and US President Donald Trump, who warned of potential 'big trouble'. The repeated violations come amid heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine.
