Russia's Airspace actions over Estonia, considered as 'rash' by allies.
In a series of escalating airspace violations, three Russian fighter jets, MiG-31, entered Estonian airspace without permission on August 10. The intrusion lasted approximately 12 minutes, during which the Russian aircraft did not make contact with Estonian air traffic control and had their transponders switched off.
This incident comes after a similar violation earlier this month involving a Russian MI-8 helicopter near the island of Vaindloo. The latest violation, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, was 'unprecedentedly brazen.'
Following the incident, Estonia called for urgent talks with NATO allies. The talks could take place 'at the start of next week.' This marks the second time in under two weeks that a member country has invoked NATO Article 4 consultations, a provision that allows for consultation if any party considers that its territorial integrity, political independence, or security is threatened.
In response to the incident, Estonia's rapid reaction aircraft, provided by NATO countries including Finland and Sweden, as well as Baltic states and other NATO members, were deployed to prevent violations of its airspace. Italy, which assumed command of the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission, Operation Baltic Eagle III, as of August 1, scrambled Italian F-35 fighters to intercept the Russian jets and warn them off.
The European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed that as threats escalate, pressure will increase. The UK, Germany, and France announced plans to reinforce joint air patrols with more jets based on NATO's eastern flank. Similarly, Poland, along with its Italian and Dutch NATO allies, scrambled jets to intercept around 20 Russian drones last week. Some of them were shot down.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of expanding its 'destabilizing activity' with the series of airspace violations in Poland, Romania, and Estonia. Russian airspace violations have become more provocative in recent months, according to Estonia.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart called the event 'yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO's ability to respond.' The Italian air force's F-35 aircraft are responsible for surveillance of Baltic airspace, and their quick and decisive response to the incident was praised by NATO's alliance chief.
Russia's charge d'affaires in Estonia was summoned to the foreign ministry to receive a formal complaint. Similar incidents involving Russian aircraft switching off their transponders and not communicating with air traffic control occurred on May 13 and June 22.
Estonia announced its intention to request NATO Article 4 consultations over the 'unacceptable' violation. The event serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension between NATO and Russia, and the importance of collective defence and air policing missions in maintaining regional stability.
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