Polish MiG-29 jets intercept Russian aircraft over Baltic Sea

On October 28, a pair of Polish MiG-29 fighter jets scrambled to intercept a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft conducting a mission over the Baltic Sea.

In a post on the Facebook page of Poland’s Armed Forces Operational Command, it was stated that the Russian aircraft had been flying in international airspace but violated standard regulations by operating without a filed flight plan and with its transponder turned off, making it difficult for civilian radars to track, Caliber.Az reports.

Polish fighter jets intercepted and visually identified the Russian plane, escorting it until it left the area of control.

The Russian aircraft did not enter Polish airspace, the command emphasised.

"Thanks to the high combat readiness, professionalism of the pilots, and the efficient functioning of the air defence system, the operation was carried out quickly, effectively, and safely," the Polish military said in a statement.

The Baltic Sea, often referred to as a “NATO lake” due to being surrounded by alliance members, also hosts a strong Russian military presence in Kaliningrad — a strategic exclave on the Baltic coast situated between Poland and Lithuania.

By Jeyhun Aghazada