Three MiG-31 aircraft with Kinzhal missiles were observed flying over Estonia.

Russian Jets Breach Estonian Airspace

Three Russian jets reportedly violated Estonian airspace on Friday, as confirmed by the Estonian foreign minister. The jets involved were MIG-31s, according to two NATO sources.

These sources indicated the jets were in the airspace for about 12 minutes before being intercepted by an Italian F-35, which forced them to leave. It’s noted that these jets are capable of carrying air-launched ballistic missiles known as Kinzhals, though it remains unclear whether they were armed during this incident.

White House representatives did not provide an immediate response regarding the airspace breach.

NATO’s Reaction to Recent Incidents

“This marks the fourth incident of Russian airspace violations this year, which is itself alarming,” the foreign minister stated. “However, the fact that three fighter jets breached our airspace is unusually bold.” He emphasized that such provocations necessitate increased political and economic pressure on Russia.

Estonia is already contemplating invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which allows for discussions among NATO allies if they believe their security is at risk. This article doesn’t trigger a military response automatically, unlike Article 5, but serves as a significant diplomatic signal.

This incident follows closely after Poland accused Russia of violating its airspace with more than a dozen drones, amid intensified bombardments in Ukraine. Poland reported that at least 19 drones crossed into its territory from both Belarus and Ukraine, prompting airport closures and the activation of NATO air defenses.

Poland has labeled the drone incursion as an “attack,” according to Prime Minister Donald Tass, who described it as an unprecedented violation that endangers national security. Consequently, Poland has also sought consultations under Article 4 with NATO.