NATO reports 250% surge in fighter scrambles over Russian aircraft

NATO fighter jets were scrambled 250% more frequently to intercept Russian military aircraft near the alliance's borders in July 2026 than during the same month last year, according to the Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS).

In a post on X, JFCBS said the number of Alpha Scrambles along NATO's eastern flank had increased by more than 250%.

"Russian military aircraft repeatedly flew close to NATO airspace without a flight plan and transponder signal, leaving our fighters to launch, intercept, and identify them," the command said, adding that every scramble proves that we are alert.

"Every interception proves that NATO airspace is protected."

In late July, Poland's Operational Command said it had scrambled military aircraft after reports of increased Russian aviation activity over Ukraine.

On August 5, Russia's Permanent Representative to the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), Viktor Vasilyev, said NATO had never sought cooperation with the CSTO on collective security and argued there was no reason to continue pursuing such cooperation.

The same day, German newspaper Welt, citing several Scandinavian and Baltic media outlets, reported that Russia was preparing to expand its capabilities along NATO's north-eastern border.

Earlier, a NATO reconnaissance aircraft was spotted near the coast of the Gulf of Finland.

By Aghakazim Guliyev