NATO scrambled fighter jets for the third consecutive day as a Russian aircraft trespassed into its airspace. The military alliance responded to reports of a suspected spy plane flying over the Baltic Sea without a clear flight plan. The plane, an Ilyushin Il-20M, equipped with advanced intelligence systems, including radar and electronic warfare capabilities, raised concerns.

These types of planes are commonly used for surveillance purposes, monitoring communications and air defenses. The Russian aircraft took off from Russia, entered international airspace without communication, and failed to establish visual identification. The German Air Force initially identified the plane before handing over the escort duties to Swedish NATO allies.

This recent interception marks the third such incident in as many days, indicating a potential provocation by the Russian government. Previously, Russian MiG jets violated Estonian airspace, prompting a NATO response and a call for activating defense provisions under Article 4. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the need for a unified and robust response from NATO members to confront such provocations.

In a separate event, Poland intercepted Russian drones following heightened tensions in Ukraine, resulting in the country being placed on high alert. Nearly 20 drones were detected in Polish airspace, causing Prime Minister Donald Tusk to express concerns about the escalating situation, dubbing it the most critical since World War Two.

European leaders and US President Donald Trump have strongly criticized these airspace violations, with Trump expressing his concerns over the incident in Estonia, highlighting the potential risks involved.