French air force refueling aircraft arrives in Estonia

A multi-role transport and aerial refueling aircraft operated by the French Air Force has arrived in Estonia, according to a source within the European Union’s air traffic control services cited by Russian news agency TASS.

The aircraft, identified as an Airbus A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport), reportedly departed from Marseille, France, and flew through the airspace of several European countries before landing in Tallinn. The source did not provide details regarding the purpose of the flight or explain why the aircraft landed at Estonia’s civilian airport rather than at the nearby Ämari Air Base, a key NATO military facility.

The Airbus A330 MRTT is commonly used for in-flight refueling operations, strategic cargo transport, and the long-range deployment of fighter aircraft.

According to the source, French military aviation activity in Estonian airspace has increased in recent weeks. In May, a Dassault Mirage 2000D fighter aircraft conducted multiple patrol flights over eastern Estonia, including areas near the Russian border and the Estonian sector of Lake Peipus, known in Russia as Lake Pskov-Chudskoye.

The source also noted continued reconnaissance operations by NATO member states in the region. On the previous day, a Swedish Saab 340B ISR surveillance aircraft was reportedly operating near Estonia’s eastern border with Russia. The aircraft is capable of gathering intelligence at distances of approximately 300 to 400 kilometres.

In addition, flights by a Bombardier Challenger 650 Artemis II reconnaissance and target-designation aircraft were recorded in Estonian airspace, according to the source.

By Sabina Mammadli