Russian fighter jets fly into Estonia. NATO's reaction

Russian fighter jets invade Estonian airspace.

• Three Russian MiG-31s entered Estonian airspace over the Vaindloo Island area without permission and remained there approximately 12 minutes. Flying without flight plans, with transponders switched off and without communication with dispatchers.

• We took off to intercept Italian F-35 from the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltics (Baltic Air Policing) based at Emari Air Base.

  Read also:

  1. Ukrainian Armed Forces continue counter-offensive in Dobropillia-Syrskyi area Commander-in-Chief reports on the success of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the Ukrainian army is...

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires and protested; this is already fourth violation of Estonian skies by the Russian Federation in 2025.

Details of the incident

The violation occurred on the morning of 19 September 2025 near the island of Vainduloo in the Gulf of Finland. According to the Joint Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces, three Russian MiG-31 were in the airspace of the country for about 12 minutes, without submitting flight plans, without transponders switched on and without two-way radio communication with air traffic control.

NATO's response

In response to a violation the next F-35 of the Italian Air Force (NATO contingent within the Baltic Air Policing) took off to intercept and escort the Russian aircraft. The Alliance called the incident defiant and confirming NATO's readiness to respond to threats on its eastern flank.

Estonia's steps

Foreign Minister Margus Tskakhkna said that MFA summons Russia's charge d'affaires and handed over a note of protest. According to him, This is the fourth violation this year, and the current one is «unprecedentedly bold» due to the number and type of aircraft. Tallinn has also initiated consultations with its allies on further steps within NATO procedures.

Why it matters

The Baltic region is one of the most sensitive areas of the Alliance's eastern flank. Such incidents increase the escalation risks, test NATO air defence preparedness and response, and also require the allies to maintain an enhanced air presence.

What's next

Estonia's contacts with NATO partners are expected to include political and military response, including additional deterrence measures and increased airspace monitoring in the region.

Sources.

Official reports of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; international news agencies (Reuters, AP), and leading media.