NATO fighter jets patrolled in Poland and identified three aircraft—an An-72, an Su-30S, and an Su-24MR—over international airspace. According to the Ministry, the aircraft were transiting between the RF mainland and the RF Kaliningrad area without flight plans, though two of the three maintained radio contact with the Regional Air Traffic Control Center (RSVC).
Why do Russian aircraft fly near Baltic airspace?
Aircraft transit between the RF mainland and the RF Kaliningrad area through international airspace. According to the Ministry, these flights often involve aircraft flying without flight plans.
NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission has been active since March 2004, when Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia became NATO members. Since that time, forces from various nations have patrolled the Baltic airspace.
How does the NATO Air Policing mission operate?
The mission protects the airspace of the three Baltic states.
What is the significance of transponder usage?
The Ministry noted that two of the three aircraft identified last week were operating with their transponders active.
Pro Tip: Monitoring Baltic Airspace
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries currently participate in Baltic Air Policing?
The mission is a responsibility shared among NATO members. It has included detachments from Belgium, Denmark, the Czech Republic, the UK, Spain, the U.S., Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, France, Romania, Turkey, Hungary, Germany, and Italy.
Do all Russian flights over the Baltic violate international law?
Flying through international airspace is permitted.
Why does Russia fly to Kaliningrad?
Aircraft transit between the RF mainland and the RF Kaliningrad area.
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